Spain faces criticism for its stance against the US, as media questions the government’s approach amid rising Middle East tensions.
Trump’s Criticism of Spain
On Tuesday (March 3), Trump announced his dissatisfaction with Spain, stating that the United States would no longer trade with the country. He noted that Spain had not increased defense spending to 5% of GDP like other NATO nations and had recently refused the US permission to use its military bases in the south for operations in the Middle East.
“Relations between allies cannot proceed in this manner, and once again Trump has shown his true face,” critically evaluated the Spanish government-leaning newspaper “El Mundo.”
Media Analysis of Government Strategy
Journalists simultaneously emphasized that this does not mean the government’s international strategy is appropriate. “The government has every right to question Trump’s actions, but the current circumstances, unfavorable for Spain and Europe, require caution and realism. Sanchez’s efforts to ostentatiously show his disagreement with the US do not go in this direction; they are rather reckless,” read in “El Mundo.”
“Moral Ambiguity” Criticism
The newspaper “ABC” wrote in an editorial that Spain’s neutral and critical stance toward the US leaves it in a situation of “moral ambiguity and strategic abandonment.” The newspaper emphasized that Spain cannot afford to be praised by dictatorships, as happened in recent days when the Iranian ambassador appreciated the Madrid government’s position on the US attack in the Middle East.
“Support for Spain’s position comes from countries and groups that systematically violate human rights, while our main allies, from Washington to Israel through NATO and democracies in our vicinity, oppose this position,” wrote “ABC.”
Regional Instability and European Unity
As noted by the newspaper “El Pais,” instability in the Middle East is growing, and the consequences of the American attack are spreading at lightning speed. In the newspaper’s assessment, the political cost of Spain’s refusal to allow the US to use its bases during the attack on Iran may be high, but it has solid foundations. “The government must necessarily participate in developing a common position in Europe,” noted “El Pais.”
Sanchez’s Upcoming Statement
On Wednesday (March 4) morning, Sanchez will speak at Moncloa Palace, the Prime Minister’s residence, regarding the situation in the Middle East and Trump’s statement about breaking trade relations with Spain.
The US and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, announcing that they would continue in the coming days. In response, Iran began attacks on Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, particularly US military bases located there.