Sánchez on the war in Iran: We continue to defend international law; the law of the strongest does not bring peace
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated Spain's commitment to defending international law, stating that "the law of the strongest does not bring peace."
- Sánchez's remarks come amid tensions in the Middle East, with Spain having previously prohibited US military use of its bases for attacks on Iran.
- He emphasized that Spain collaborates with allies strictly within the framework of international law, responding to reports of potential US sanctions against Spain.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly asserted Spain's unwavering commitment to upholding international law amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. His declaration that "the law of the strongest does not bring peace, security, or stability" underscores Spain's principled stance against unilateral aggression and highlights the nation's dedication to a rules-based international order.
Sánchez's comments, made during the European Union summit in Cyprus, directly address the complex geopolitical situation involving Iran. Spain has previously taken a clear position by prohibiting the use of its military bases and territory by the United States for any attacks targeting Iran. This decision reflects Spain's foreign policy, which prioritizes diplomatic solutions and adherence to international legal frameworks over military escalation.
The situation in the Middle East shows that the law of the strongest brings neither peace nor security nor stability, but only weakens us. Brute force is not the answer. Spain will continue to defend international law
The Prime Minister's firm response to unsubstantiated reports about potential US sanctions against Spain—stemming from an alleged internal Pentagon email—demonstrates Spain's resolve. Sánchez clarified that Spain operates based on official government positions and documents, not on unverified communications. He reiterated that Spain's government maintains a stance of "absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the framework of international law."
This principled approach is particularly significant given the differing perspectives on international conflict resolution. While some global powers may favor a more assertive, power-based approach, Spain, through Sánchez's leadership, champions the supremacy of international law. This commitment is not merely rhetorical; it guides Spain's actions and its engagement with international partners, ensuring that cooperation is always balanced with respect for global legal norms. From Spain's perspective, this adherence to international law is not just a matter of principle but a fundamental necessity for achieving lasting peace and security.
Well, we don't work with emails. We work with official documents and positions that, in this case, have been taken by the government of the United States. The position of the Spanish government is clear: absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the framework of international law
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.