Middle East Tensions Escalate as Spain Rejects US War Support, 87 Killed in Naval Attack
Global tensions intensified as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pushed back against threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to cut trade ties with Spain over Madrid’s refusal to support ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran.
Sánchez criticised the growing conflict in the Middle East, warning that the escalating hostilities resemble “playing Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”
87 killed as US submarine sinks Iranian warship
The diplomatic dispute unfolded amid rising military tensions after a U.S. submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.
According to reports, at least 87 people were killed in the attack, while several others remain missing. The vessel was said to have been returning from a naval exercise in India when it was struck.
The incident further deepened the crisis involving the United States, Israel and Iran, fuelling fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
US Embassy cancels visa appointments in Abuja
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Nigeria cancelled visa appointments scheduled in Abuja, citing concerns over potential protests linked to the escalating geopolitical tensions.
Officials warned of a “high potential for demonstrations” as the crisis between the U.S., Israel and Iran continues to unfold.
Spain refuses to support attacks on Iran
Sánchez, one of Europe’s most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, reiterated Spain’s position against the widening conflict.
According to him, Spain’s stance can be summarised in three words: “No to war.”
Responding to Trump’s threat to sever trade relations, the Spanish leader said his government would not support actions it believes are harmful to global stability or contrary to Spain’s values.
“We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and contrary to our principles simply out of fear of reprisals,” Sánchez said.
Trump criticises Spain
Trump had earlier criticised Madrid after it refused to allow U.S. forces to use jointly operated military bases in southern Spain for operations related to the strikes on Iran.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump described Spain as “terrible” and revealed he had instructed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt trade dealings with the European country.
Sánchez warns against repeating Iraq War mistakes
In a strongly worded address, Sánchez called on the United States, Israel and Iran to halt the escalating conflict before it spirals out of control.
“You cannot respond to one illegality with another. That is how humanity’s greatest disasters begin,” he warned.
The Spanish leader also referenced the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a cautionary example, noting that the war — initially justified by claims of weapons of mass destruction — ultimately triggered widespread instability.
According to Sánchez, the Iraq conflict unleashed one of the worst waves of insecurity Europe had experienced since the fall of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.
He emphasised that governments must prioritise the welfare of their citizens rather than exploit geopolitical tensions or profit from war.
With rising casualties, diplomatic disputes and fears of broader regional instability, analysts warn the Middle East crisis could have far-reaching economic and security implications worldwide.
