“This time, it’s an absurd and unlawful conflict,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated. File
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) that the Center East conflict offered a “far worse” state of affairs than the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
“This isn’t the identical state of affairs because the unlawful conflict in Iraq. We face one thing far worse. A lot worse. With a possible impression that’s far broader and much deeper,” he instructed parliament.
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“This time, it’s an absurd and unlawful conflict. A merciless one which units us again from attaining our financial, social, and environmental objectives,” he stated.
The Socialist premier has refused Washington’s requests to make use of Madrid’s army bases towards Iran, regardless of U.S. President Donald Trump’s risk to sever commerce with Spain because of this.
Mr. Sanchez stated the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 had failed to realize its objectives and as an alternative made life worse for odd individuals, saying it led to a pointy enhance in gas and grocery costs, a migration disaster and jihadist assaults in Europe.
He warned that the assaults on Iran may have the same financial impression for hundreds of thousands.
“Each bomb that falls within the Center East ultimately hits — as we’re already seeing — the wallets of our households,” Mr. Sanchez stated.
His authorities authorised final week a sweeping bundle price 5 billion euros ($5.8 billion) aimed toward cushioning the financial impression of the Center East conflict, which included reductions on taxes on gas.
“It’s not honest that some set the world on fireplace whereas others bear the ashes. It’s not proper that Spaniards and different Europeans ought to pay out of their very own pockets for this unlawful conflict,” Mr. Sanchez stated.
His Iraq reference might ring a bell with Spanish voters.
Assist for that conflict by the conservative Well-liked Celebration (PP) in energy on the time which despatched troops to Iraq was broadly unpopular and sparked mass protests.
Some analysts say it paved the way in which for the Socialist Celebration’s shock win in March 2004, days after lethal jihadist bombings hit Madrid.
A department of Al-Qaeda claimed duty for the assaults and referred to as for the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Iraq.
A majority of Spaniards, 53.2%, again Mr. Sanchez’s determination to not let the USA use the Rota naval base and Moron airbase in strikes towards Iran, a ballot revealed earlier this month in each day newspaper El Pais confirmed.
Revealed – March 25, 2026 10:59 pm IST