The European Union generally tries to maintain a balanced approach to conflicts in the Middle East, with its most notable milestone often being to “strongly condemn” actions that violate international law. However, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, stands out for taking clearer and far more assertive positions on these conflicts. His continued stance on the war in Gaza, alongside his pushback against the war in Iran, has strained ties with the United States and intensified diplomatic tensions with Israel. At the same time, Sánchez has increasingly turned to China as a potential mediator and strategic partner. His assertive diplomatic positioning is testing the limits of Spain’s alliances in a shifting global order.
Stance on the Middle East Wars
Over the past years, Spain has been strongly advocating for a halt in the Israel-Palestine conflict, supporting a two-state solution. Pedro Sánchez’s government recognized Palestine as a legitimate state in May 2024, alongside Ireland and Norway (1). Afterwards, Spain formally joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (2). Since then, Spain has called for measures aimed at pressuring the Israeli government into ending the war in Gaza. It enacted targeted sanctions against individuals obstructing peace and formalised an arms embargo against Israel, while upping efforts and funds towards humanitarian aid in Gaza (3).
Following the American and Israeli strikes that marked the beginning of the war in Iran, Sánchez adopted a firm and unusual direct position for an EU Member State. He declared that Spain is firmly against the war, describing it as “unjust” and in violation of international law (4). He warned that the conflict could have even worse consequences than the 2003 Iraq invasion, particularly in terms of the economic burden placed on ordinary people around the world (5). Beyond rhetoric, the Spanish government took concrete steps to distance itself from the conflict. Sánchez denied the United States the use of Spanish military bases and went further by closing Spain’s airspace to U.S. warplanes involved in operations related to the war in Iran (4). Consequently, Iran granted Spanish ships passage through the Strait of Hormuz, even before Trump’s ceasefire (6).
Broken Ties with the U.S. and Israel
Spain’s increasingly assertive foreign policy has not come without consequences. Relations between Israel and Spain have deteriorated significantly. Netanyahu accused the Spanish Prime Minister of waging a “diplomatic war” against Israel (7). On March 10th, Sánchez’s government formally dismissed the Spanish ambassador to Israel. Israel had already recalled their own ambassador from Madrid two years prior, following Spain’s recognition of Palestine as a state (8). Netanyahu recently had Spain’s representatives removed from the Gaza coordination centre, a U.S.-led base responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid and overseeing the ceasefire outlined in Trump’s 20-point peace plan (7). On 14th April 2026, an Israeli legal advocacy group even filed a case against Pedro Sánchez at the ICC, claiming that Spanish exports to Iran are allegedly “aiding war crimes”. The case focuses on exports of dual-use products worth up to €1.3 million that could be used in the production of explosive devices (9).
Tensions extend beyond Israel, as the EU’s relationship with the United States has further deteriorated due to the Iran conflict. Spain’s firm opposition, along with other EU states’ reluctance to participate, has drawn criticism from the Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. may reconsider its role in NATO, emphasizing that access to European military bases is a key strategic benefit. With countries like Spain denying that access, he suggested that continued U.S. membership in NATO may no longer serve its interests (10). Trump further escalated tensions by threatening tariffs on Spanish products in early March, stating: “Spain has been terrible,” and “we’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain” (6). This raises the broader question of whether Spain risks political and economic isolation from its traditional Western allies.
Looking Towards Beijing
Sánchez’s foreign policy also signals a broader shift in the geopolitical balance of power, particularly through his openness to China’s growing role in the Middle East. This position marks a clear departure from traditional alignment with U.S. foreign policy. Following his visit to Beijing on 14th April, Sánchez announced 19 bilateral agreements between Spain and China, strengthening economic ties through trade, investment, and cooperation (11). At the same time, he openly endorsed China’s potential role in brokering peace in the Middle East and called for a greater Chinese presence in resolving international conflicts. Both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sánchez emphasized the importance of a lasting ceasefire achieved through diplomatic means, and rejected what they described as “the law of the strongest” in international relations (11). Sánchez emphasised that Spain continues to defend European interests while expanding relations with China. His visit positions Spain as a potential intermediary between the EU and Beijing, aiming to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties (11). At the same time, it adds fuel to the U.S.–China rivalry, with Spain appearing to shift its alignment.
Domestic Impact
Sánchez’s foreign policy stance will likely play a key role in his chances for reelection in 2027. Despite international backlash, many Spaniards appear to support his approach. A poll by El País found that 53.2% backed his decision to deny the United States use of Spanish military bases (6). His assertive foreign policy also reinforces his image as a progressive leader willing to challenge global powers, particularly the United States. Beyond his international image, Sánchez is facing domestic corruption scandals, with his wife currently on trial for alleged influence peddling and embezzlement (12). Despite internal tensions running high, Sánchez continues to pursue an active role in shaping international dynamics, accepting the strained relations that follow while seeking alternative partnerships in an increasingly multipolar world.