People’s Daily published a commentary praising Spain for not supporting the United States in the Iran conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently drew international attention with his opposition to the conflict amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. He emphasized respect for international law, rejected the use of force, and called for diplomatic solutions, stating that Spain’s position is “clear and consistent”—to avoid war. While some Western media described Spain as “a lonely country” within Europe, Sánchez responded that Spain is not lonely, just the first.
The article compares this situation to 2024, when Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, was among the first European countries to recognize Palestine. At the time, the move was also described as risky and isolating. However, several European countries later followed, including France and Belgium, suggesting that what initially appeared as isolation was instead a matter of timing in political consensus.
It also notes that although other European countries have not openly endorsed Spain’s position, few have explicitly supported U.S. and Israeli military actions either. Many countries—including the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal—have emphasized diplomacy and de-escalation, reflecting a shift in transatlantic dynamics. The article attributes this change in part to growing European concerns over U.S. “America First” policies and past experiences with prolonged conflicts that proved difficult to resolve.
Source: People’s Daily, March 20, 2026
https://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/pc/content/202603/20/content_30146207.html