Madrid has sharply condemned the recent joint military action by the United States and Israel against targets within Iran, warning that such unilateral moves risk escalating regional tensions and undermining the international order. The strong rebuke from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sets him apart from many other international leaders who have offered more cautious responses, typically calling for restraint and adherence to international law without directly criticizing Washington or Jerusalem. This stance reflects a broader shift in Spanish foreign policy, positioning the nation as a more vocal critic of certain Western policies and a stronger advocate for multilateral diplomacy.
Sánchez, via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, stated that Spain “rejects the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to making the international order more uncertain and hostile.” This condemnation follows a series of strikes carried out by the U.S. And Israel within Iran, reportedly targeting a building in Tehran believed to be associated with the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86 years old. The timing and nature of these strikes have raised concerns globally about a potential wider conflict in the Middle East, a region already grappling with the ongoing war in Gaza and numerous other geopolitical challenges.
Spain’s Distinctly Critical Stance
The Spanish government’s response is notably more direct than that of many of its European counterparts. A joint statement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa described the situation as “deeply concerning,” urging all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or jeopardize the global non-proliferation framework. French President Emmanuel Macron went further, characterizing the strikes as a potential “trigger for war” with serious implications for international peace and security, and announced France would seek an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Although, Sánchez’s explicit rejection of the military action distinguishes Spain’s position.
Sánchez’s criticism extends beyond Israel and the United States, also calling for an “immediate de-escalation” and “full respect for international law” from the Iranian government and its Revolutionary Guard. This dual condemnation underscores Spain’s commitment to a rules-based international order and its concern over the potential for further instability in the region. The Spanish Prime Minister’s approach signals a willingness to challenge established alliances and prioritize principles of international law and multilateralism, even when it means diverging from close allies like the United States.
A History of Divergence on Foreign Policy
This assertive stance on the Middle East is not new for the Sánchez administration. Spain has increasingly charted its own course in foreign policy, becoming one of the most critical European voices regarding Washington’s foreign policy decisions, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, and the Iranian government’s suppression of domestic protests. In 2019, Spain was among the first nations to openly reject an invitation from the Trump administration to join the “Board of Peace” initiative – intended primarily to rebuild Gaza – citing concerns about its compatibility with Madrid’s commitment to international law, the United Nations, and multilateral diplomacy. Middle East Eye reported on this decision at the time, highlighting Spain’s commitment to a different approach.
More recently, Sánchez has openly labeled the situation in Gaza a “genocide” and has been a strong proponent of efforts to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This position aligns with growing international calls for accountability for alleged war crimes committed during the conflict. Spain has also sought to position itself as a mediator and interlocutor with the Arab world, participating in a high-level summit in Dubai last month and strengthening ties with Gulf countries. This diplomatic outreach reflects a broader strategy to enhance Spain’s influence in the region and promote a more balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Support for the Palestinian Cause and a Two-State Solution
A staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, Sánchez has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the “only viable path to lasting peace” in the Middle East. In a significant diplomatic move in 2024, Madrid recognized the State of Palestine, following a similar decision by France in 2025. CNN reported on Spain’s recognition of Palestine, noting it as part of a broader diplomatic campaign. In December, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Sánchez in Madrid, where he praised Spain’s diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and advocate for a Palestinian state. This meeting underscored the deepening relationship between Spain and the Palestinian Authority.
Confirming a shift in Spanish foreign policy, Sánchez participated as a special guest at the 34th Arab League summit held in Baghdad last year. This engagement signaled Spain’s commitment to strengthening its ties with the Arab world and playing a more active role in regional diplomacy. The Spanish government believes that a more inclusive and multilateral approach is essential to addressing the complex challenges facing the Middle East and promoting a lasting peace.
Recent Measures Against Israel
Beyond verbal condemnation, the Sánchez administration has implemented concrete measures to pressure Israel over its actions in Gaza. In September 2025, Spain announced nine measures, including a formal arms embargo – which had been in practice since October 2023 – banning ships carrying fuel for the Israeli armed forces from Spanish ports, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza to 150 million euros (approximately $176 million) by 2026. The government also pledged to increase support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and impose an embargo on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Individuals directly involved in what Sánchez termed the “genocide” in Gaza would be barred from entering Spanish territory.
These measures, formalized through a royal decree law, demonstrate Spain’s willingness to take concrete action to hold Israel accountable for its actions and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The government’s commitment to increasing humanitarian aid reflects its concern for the plight of Palestinian civilians and its desire to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict. The decision to ban goods from Israeli settlements is intended to pressure Israel to conclude its settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, which is considered illegal under international law.
Implications for Regional Stability
Spain’s increasingly independent foreign policy stance and its strong criticism of both the U.S.-Israel military action and the Iranian government raise questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the dynamics of the Middle East. While Spain remains a key member of the European Union and NATO, its willingness to diverge from the consensus on certain issues could create friction with its allies. However, it also positions Spain as a potential mediator and a voice for a more nuanced and balanced approach to the region’s complex challenges.
The current escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel, coupled with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, underscores the urgent demand for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to diplomacy. Spain’s call for restraint and respect for international law aligns with the broader international consensus on the need to avoid a wider conflict. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether the region can avert a full-scale war and move towards a more peaceful and sustainable future. The next key development to watch will be the response of the United Nations Security Council, as France has requested an urgent meeting to address the escalating crisis.
Key Takeaways:
- Spain has strongly condemned the recent joint U.S.-Israel military action against Iran, differentiating itself from many other international leaders.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has labeled the situation in Gaza a “genocide” and advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Spain has implemented concrete measures to pressure Israel, including an arms embargo and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- The Spanish government’s assertive foreign policy reflects a broader shift towards greater independence and a commitment to multilateral diplomacy.
The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on Spain’s role in the evolving Middle East landscape in the comments below.