Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has emerged as Europe’s harshest critic towards the struggle in Iran, defended his resolution to ship a warship to assist defend Cyprus, at the same time as he doubled down on his criticism of the joint Israeli-US strikes.
“With the same determination that we say ‘No to the war in Iran,’ we have the same determination to show solidarity and help and lend a hand to an EU state that is a victim of that conflict,” he mentioned Friday at a press convention following a Spanish-Portuguese summit.
He mentioned {that a} Spanish frigate will quickly arrive in Cyprus for defensive functions, after refusing for days to contain Spain within the battle.
Several European nations, together with France, Italy and the UK, have dedicated navy property to assist shore up Cyprus’ defenses after it was hit by a drone assault on Monday.
“Among allies … it is good to call out when one is making a mistake. This war in Iran, in my opinion and the opinion of the Spanish government, is an extraordinary mistake,” Sánchez added, reaffirming his stance towards the struggle.
Such full-throated criticism has drawn the ire of Trump who threatened to impose a full embargo on Spain and mentioned “Spain is a loser” whereas on a name with the New York Post on Thursday.
“(Spain is) very hostile to NATO,” Trump advised the New York Post, referencing that the nation refused to decide to spending 5% of its GDP on protection, not like different NATO members.
Spain and the White House publicly disagreed once more earlier this week when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Madrid had agreed to cooperate with the US navy’s offensive towards Iran earlier than Spain’s overseas minister denied that account.