Defense Minister Margarita Robles echoed that position, emphasizing that any military activity must follow international legal standards. Trump reacted sharply to Spain’s stance, criticizing the NATO ally during remarks at the White House. He suggested he could halt trade with Spain, claiming the country’s leadership had been “unfriendly” and warning that the U.S. could stop business with Spain entirely.

Responding from his residence at La Moncloa, Sánchez defended Spain’s position. He said the country would not support actions it believes are harmful to global stability or against its values. “The question is whether we stand for peace and international law,” Sánchez said, summarizing Spain’s stance in four words: “No to war.”

Spain and the United States maintain strong economic ties, with billions of dollars in trade each year. Spanish officials stressed that any trade decisions must respect international agreements and European Union regulations.