Spain's Opposition to Trump's Iran War Shows Europe How to Defend International Law
Source: Pablo Castaño. "Spain Shows Europe How to Oppose Trump’s Illegal War in Iran." March 6, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
The author argues that Spain is showing Europe the right way to handle Trump by refusing to help with his illegal war against Iran. While other European countries are either helping Trump or staying quiet, Spain is standing up for international law, and this makes Europe look more credible on the world stage.
Conclusion
Spain's refusal to support Trump's war on Iran demonstrates the correct approach for European nations to take against illegal US military interventions
Premises
- Spain denied the US use of military bases for attacks on Iran, citing violations of international law
- Other major European countries either supported or failed to meaningfully oppose the US-Israeli attack on Iran
- The US-Israeli attack on Iran was unilateral and unprovoked, violating international law
- European leaders' submission to Trump undermines the EU's credibility as a moral power
- Spain has consistently applied international law principles across conflicts (Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela)
- European submission to US demands is driven by fear of losing American support in Ukraine, but this doesn't guarantee Trump's continued backing
- Spain's domestic political constraints (leftist coalition partners, anti-imperialist voter base) enable this principled stance
Assumptions
- International law provides clear standards that should govern military interventions
- Consistency in applying legal principles across different conflicts is morally superior to selective application
- European independence from US foreign policy would be beneficial for global stability
- Trump's military interventionism represents a threat that could eventually target Europe itself
- Popular mobilization and leftist political pressure can effectively influence foreign policy decisions