British expats in Spain have flooded social media with messages of support for Pedro Sanchez amid his ongoing row with Donald Trump.
The Spanish prime minister has refused to allow the US to use military bases in Andalucia for its operations against Iran.
The PSOE leader said Spain’s position remains ‘no to the war’, urging the US and Israel to find a ‘diplomatic solution’ to the conflict.
HIs defiant stance has won heaps of praise from the British expat community, with thousands of Spanish Eye readers voicing their support.
‘I stand with Sanchez,’ said Anthea Langdon, ‘It’s refreshing to have a leader who can say no to Trump’s madness.’
Steven Barea said: ‘A man with principles, definitely on the right side,’, while Pete Lepage declared: ‘I support him, at least he has a moral compass.’
Inger Skaraas said: ‘I am very positively surprised by this and I’m proud of living here, wish more countries would do the same.’
Brian Harrison added: ‘Sanchez has taken the only legal option, protecting Spain from being dragged into another war for oil, from suffering decades of terrorist attacks… just because Trump wants to disrupt the US domestic political mess so that he can avoid mid-term elections to keep himself out of prison, doesn’t mean that people in Spain should have to suffer the consequences.’
Another added: ‘In a world of Donald Trump be like Pedro Sanchez… I will be spending my holiday money in Spain.’
On Wednesday, Spain was forced to deny a claim from the White House that it had agreed to cooperate with the US military over the conflict with Iran.
The row erupted after Washington suggested Madrid had recently reached an agreement to work alongside American forces.
The claim came despite Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez insisting Spain will not allow the US to use its military bases for the operation.
Sources inside the Spanish government dismissed the claim outright.
‘False,’ officials said, adding: ‘We haven’t spoken with them about this at all.’
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also rejected the statement, insisting Spain’s position has not changed.
‘Our stance of ‘no to the war’ remains absolutely clear and firm,’ he said in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER.
‘I deny it categorically. Our position on the conflict and the bombing of Iran has not changed by a single comma.’
Albares confirmed that the US will not be allowed to use the Spanish bases at Rota and Moron for the current military operation.
He stressed the facilities can only be used within the framework of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The White House claim came from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who told reporters that Spain had agreed to coordinate with the US military.
‘My understanding is that in the last few hours they have agreed to cooperate with the US army,’ she said.
Leavitt added that President Donald Trump expects all allies to assist in the mission, arguing that Iran poses a threat not only to the United States but also to Europe.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sanchez hardened his criticism of the strikes on Iran, calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
‘We will not become accomplices in something that is bad for the world and contrary to our values and interests simply out of fear of reprisals,’ he said.
The prime minister also warned that the conflict could lead to greater economic uncertainty and rising oil and gas prices.
While ruling out military involvement, Sánchez said Spain remains open to working with countries in the region that support diplomacy and international law, including offering diplomatic support and material assistance if required.
‘
