The war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran is “a huge mistake”, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said during a press conference, reiterating his criticism of what he described as an “illegal intervention”.
“This war in Iran is, in my opinion, in Spain’s opinion, a huge mistake,” he said.
Spain’s support for Cyprus
Referring to Madrid’s decision to deploy a Spanish frigate to Cyprus, Sanchez said Spain would support the island as a fellow member of the European Union.
“With the same determination with which we say ‘no to the war in Iran’, we are also showing solidarity and will help a country of the European Union that is a victim of this war,” he said.
“Among allied countries, it is right to help when necessary and to point out when a mistake is being made. And this war in Iran is a huge mistake that we will all pay for.”
Call for cooperation with the United States
Sanchez said relations between Madrid and Washington should be guided by “loyal cooperation” rather than confrontation, after strong criticism from the United States over Spain’s stance on the US-Israeli military campaign.
Bilateral relations, he said, must be based on “respect, a spirit of loyal cooperation and equality”, within the framework of “an Atlantic partnership where international law and rules form the cornerstone and where cooperation prevails over confrontation”.
He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
Reaction to Trump criticism
Asked about criticism from US President Donald Trump over Spain’s position, Sanchez sought to lower tensions.
“I have immense respect for the presidency of the United States and great admiration for American society,” he said.
Montenegro also commented on the issue, saying that “threats and accusations are not the right way to conduct relations between allies”, while stressing that Washington remains “an irreplaceable ally” for Lisbon.
Source: ANA-MPA