Spanish Leader Warns Current Middle East Conflict Exceeds Severity of 2003 Iraq Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that the Middle East war poses a significantly more dire scenario than the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

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Sanchez emphasized the gravity of the situation before parliament, declaring that the current conflict is "far worse" and has the potential for a broader and deeper impact.

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The premier described the war as "absurd and illegal," one that undermines efforts to achieve economic, social, and environmental objectives, and characterized it as "cruel."

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Sanchez has resisted pressure from Washington to utilize Madrid's military bases in operations against Iran, despite US President Donald Trump's threat to terminate trade with Spain in response.

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The Socialist leader drew parallels with the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, which he argued failed to accomplish its objectives and instead worsened the lives of ordinary citizens.

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Sanchez cautioned that attacks on Iran could have a comparable economic impact, affecting millions of people, a concern that may resonate with Spanish voters.

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The reference to Iraq may evoke memories of the widespread unpopularity of the conservative Popular Party's support for the war at the time, which sparked large-scale protests.

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A recent poll published in El País indicated that 53.2 per cent of Spaniards support Sanchez's decision to deny the United States permission to use the Rota naval base and Moron airbase in strikes against Iran.