(March 27, 2026)

As the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran spreads shock waves throughout the global economy, Sánchez, a telegenic 54-year-old Socialist, has adopted the simple slogan of “no a la guerra,” or “no to war.” Unlike others in Europe, he has refused to let the U.S. military use his country’s air bases for the war despite Trump’s anger.

Spain, rarely the center of gravity in European affairs, has become the standard-bearer for Europeans frustrated at the continent’s fear of standing up to a U.S. president. Trump’s threats on Greenland and the unpopularity of the Iran war with voters have brought more Europeans around to his position.