Madrid has sharply condemned Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, as well as the wider conflict involving Iran, reinforcing Spain’s position as one of the most vocal critics of both US and Israeli military actions, despite warnings from Washington about possible consequences for non-compliant NATO allies.
Spain’s opposition to the Iran-related conflict has further deepened tensions with the United States, with figures linked to President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement increasingly calling for punitive measures against Madrid.
Addressing lawmakers, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares described the situation as an assault on civilisation, aligning with strong remarks previously made by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez regarding Washington’s decision to strike Iran.
He stated that the world is witnessing what he called the gravest attack on a civilisation founded on reason, peace, mutual understanding, and universal law, as opposed to force, arbitrariness, and brutality.
Albares further argued that proponents of war are attempting to revive some of history’s darkest practices, while accusing Israel of breaching international law and violating a recently established two-week ceasefire following intense airstrikes across Lebanon that reportedly killed over 250 people.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has taken a prominent stance against the conflict, has also moved to restrict Spanish airspace from any aircraft linked to what he describes as unlawful and reckless military operations.
The latest Spanish statement condemning Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the broader Iran conflict highlights Madrid’s increasingly assertive diplomatic posture, even as it risks further strain with Washington amid threats directed at dissenting NATO members.