Spain’s PM says ceasefire does not excuse "reckless war"

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said a ceasefire between the United States and Iran cannot justify or legitimise what he described as a reckless and destabilising conflict, warning that temporary relief must not overshadow the destruction and loss of life already caused.

While welcoming any pause in hostilities that could lead to a just and lasting peace, Sánchez said the international community should not “applaud those who set the world ablaze just because they turn up with a bucket, Caliber.Az reports via his post on X. 

Los alto al fuego siempre son una buena noticia. Sobre todo si conducen a una paz justa y duradera. Pero el alivio momentáneo no puede hacernos olvidar el caos, la destrucción y las vidas perdidas.

El Gobierno de España no aplaudirá a quienes incendian el mundo porque se…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 8, 2026

He called instead for diplomacy, respect for international law and a genuine commitment to peace.

Sánchez has emerged as one of the most outspoken Western critics of the conflict, which he has described as illegal and irresponsible. In recent days, Spain closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in the strikes and barred them from using jointly operated military bases in southern Spain.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump announced late on April 7 that Washington had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran. The announcement was made less than two hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on civilian infrastructure.

In a dramatic shift in tone, Trump had warned hours earlier that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to comply with US demands. 

By Sabina Mammadli