Spain

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Spanish government has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel amid growing diplomatic tension linked to the war in Gaza and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

An announcement published in Spain’s official state gazette confirmed that the decision took effect on Wednesday. The move reflects Madrid’s strong criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza as well as the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Spain has emerged as one of the European Union countries that openly condemn Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The government has also opposed the military campaign launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran.

The gazette explained the decision regarding Spain’s diplomatic representation in Israel. It stated: “At the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, and following deliberation by the Council of Ministers at its meeting on 10 March 2026, I hereby order the termination of Ms Ana María Sálomon Pérez’s appointment as Ambassador of Spain to the State of Israel.”

Following the ambassador’s removal, Spain’s embassy in Tel Aviv will now operate under a charge d’affaires, according to a source from the country’s Foreign Ministry cited by Reuters.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the few left-wing European leaders who openly criticize the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. He described the assault as “unjustifiable” and stressed that Madrid’s position remains “no to the war”.

The Spanish government has also maintained a strong stance against Israel’s operations in Gaza. In October, Spain’s parliament approved legislation that imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. The law permanently blocks the sale of weapons, military equipment and dual-use technology to the country in response to the genocide.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has pushed back against pressure from the United States after President Donald Trump warned that Washington could halt trade ties over Madrid’s refusal to support American military strikes on Iran.

In a national broadcast from the Moncloa Palace, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez set out his government’s position in clear terms. He told citizens that Spain’s stance could be reduced to three words: no to war. He also stressed that one “illegality” could not be met with another, framing the issue as a matter of principle and international law rather than political rivalry.

Tensions escalated when Spain declined to grant the United States permission to use the shared military bases at Morón and Rota for operations targeting Iran. Spanish authorities described the strikes as unjustified and risky. In response, Trump labelled Spain a “terrible” partner and threatened to cut off all trade between the two countries.

The warning has raised concerns about a key economic partnership. The United States ranks among the top destinations for Spanish exports and remains a major source of investment. Although no formal sanctions or tariffs have been announced, the prospect of trade restrictions has unsettled investors and business leaders.

Spain’s approach aligns with its recent foreign policy record. The government has adopted firm positions on conflicts it believes may violate international law. It has criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza and recognised a Palestinian state ahead of several European Union members. At the same time, Madrid has backed Ukraine in resisting Russia’s invasion, while urging restraint to avoid broader escalation elsewhere.

Spanish officials have also invoked the memory of the 2003 Iraq invasion. That conflict, which Spain supported under a previous administration, sparked widespread protests at home. Many citizens still regard that decision as an error that increased insecurity and carried lasting costs. Leaders now argue that military action can produce consequences that endure well beyond the battlefield.

The dispute unfolds at a delicate time for Spain’s coalition government. It faces political pressure in parliament and allegations of corruption involving individuals close to the leadership. However, recent opinion polls indicate that a significant number of Spaniards hold unfavourable views of Trump. Analysts say this could reduce the domestic fallout from the diplomatic clash.

For Madrid, the confrontation extends beyond Iran or access to military facilities. It touches on Spain’s broader role in global affairs. The government maintains that adherence to peace and international legality reflects national values and long-term interests. Critics counter that challenging the United States may expose the country to economic strain that could affect ordinary citizens.

The next phase depends largely on Washington’s response. If the White House moves from rhetoric to concrete measures, trade relations could face serious disruption. Until then, Spain remains in a tense standoff that tests both its diplomatic principles and its economic stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to halt all trade relations with Spain after Madrid declined to permit American forces to use its military bases for operations connected to strikes on Iran.

Trump made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He criticised Spain’s position and disclosed that he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to take action.

“Spain ‌has been terrible,” Trump said. He added that he had instructed Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain.

“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” the president stated.

Following Spain’s refusal, the United States moved 15 aircraft, among them refuelling tankers, away from the Rota and Moron air bases in southern Spain. The Spanish Socialist-led government had declined permission for the facilities to support operations targeting Iran.

Trump also revisited his long-standing demand that NATO members allocate 5% of their gross domestic product to defence. Spain has resisted that target. The president argued that Washington holds broad authority over trade matters.

“Spain has absolutely nothing that we need,” he said.

“All business having to do with Spain, I have the right to stop it. Embargoes – do anything I want with it – and we may do that with Spain,” Trump added.

Bessent, who stood beside the president, confirmed that steps would be taken to examine possible penalties. He said the United States Trade Representative and the Commerce Department would begin inquiries into measures against Spain.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court recently limited Trump’s ability to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the president insisted the ruling strengthened his powers in other respects. He said the decision “totally reaffirmed” his authority to impose a comprehensive trade embargo under the same law.

IEEPA, enacted in 1977, has served as a legal basis for sanctions against countries such as Iran, Russia and North Korea. It has also enabled restrictions on exports of sensitive technologies.

Bessent backed Trump’s interpretation of the ruling. “The Supreme Court reaffirmed your ability to implement an embargo,” he told the president.

Spain Reacts

The Spanish government responded with a statement stressing that the United States must respect the independence of private enterprises, international legal frameworks and trade agreements between Washington and the European Union.

Madrid said it possesses the tools required to cushion any economic impact and assist industries that might suffer losses. Officials also affirmed their commitment to open markets and continued economic collaboration with partners.

Spain ranks as the world’s leading exporter of olive oil. It also supplies the United States with auto components, steel and chemicals. However, analysts note that Spain may be less exposed to American trade pressure than some other European economies.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that the United States recorded a $4.8 billion trade surplus with Spain in 2025. American exports to Spain reached $26.1 billion, while imports stood at $21.3 billion. This marked the fourth consecutive year of surplus for Washington.

Chancellor Merz indicated that European partners are urging Spain to increase defence expenditure. “We are trying to ⁠convince Spain to catch up with the 3% or 3.5% which we agreed on in NATO,” he said.

“And as the president said, it’s correct: Spain is the only one who is not willing to accept that and we are trying to convince them that this is part of our common security that ⁠we all have to comply with these numbers,” Merz added.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has previously taken positions that have drawn criticism from Trump. Among them was a decision to deny docking access to vessels transporting weapons to Israel.

The latest dispute signals rising tension between Washington and Madrid. The situation may have wider implications for transatlantic trade and security cooperation if concrete measures follow the president’s warning.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced that the United States is neither using nor expected to use joint military facilities on Spanish soil for operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares made the position clear during an interview with Spanish public television on Monday. “Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” he said.

The statement follows criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who denounced the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Saturday. He described the action as an “unjustified” and “dangerous military intervention” that falls outside international law.

Albares stressed that Madrid would not permit any activity beyond the scope of existing agreements. “The Spanish government will not authorise the use of the bases for anything beyond the agreement or inconsistent with the United Nations,” he stated. He referred specifically to the Rota naval base and the Moron airbase, facilities operated jointly by Spain and the US but which remain under Spanish sovereignty.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles also addressed the issue. She said the bases “will not provide support, except if, in a given case, it were necessary from a humanitarian perspective”.

Spain further criticised Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, even as it maintained opposition to the initial US and Israeli attacks.

Flight data published on Monday by tracking service FlightRadar24 indicated that 15 US aircraft departed from bases in southern Spain after the launch of military operations against Iran. At least seven of the planes later arrived at Ramstein airbase in Germany, according to the same source.

Madrid’s stance differs from that of several other leading European nations. The United Kingdom had earlier declined to allow the use of its bases for strikes on Iran. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed that decision on Sunday. He authorised their use for “collective self-defence” following Iranian counterattacks aimed at US assets in the Middle East and energy facilities in the Gulf.

France and Germany have signalled readiness to take a similar approach.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the leaders of the three countries said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations”.

They added, “We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain has announced plans to grant legal status to about 500,000 undocumented migrants, a move officials describe as a recognition of the economic and social value of migration, even as other Western countries adopt stricter immigration policies, Aaljazeera has reported.

For Joel Caceda, a 30-year-old migrant from Peru, the decision offers long-awaited relief. After losing his left arm in a farming accident, he now struggles to earn a living through delivery work, a situation common among migrants who arrive in Spain without legal documents.

Caceda welcomed the government’s plan, which stands in contrast to tougher approaches in parts of Europe, including Denmark, Germany and Austria, as well as in the United States.

“This is good for me and many others. It will mean the chance to become legal after six years working here without any official papers,” he told Al Jazeera from his home in Barcelona.

“It will give me the chance to get a flat with my partner and her daughter and live a better life.”

His experience reflects that of thousands of migrants who survive through Spain’s informal economy while navigating lengthy and complex administrative processes in pursuit of residency papers.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Spanish Migration Minister Elma Saiz said those covered by the policy would have the right to work “in any sector, in any part of the country,” while stressing “the positive impact” of migration on Spain.

“We are talking about estimations, probably more or less the figures may be around half a million people,” she said, adding that the government was “recognising” migrants already living in the country and restoring dignity to their lives.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has repeatedly argued that migration remains essential to Spain’s economy. He has said the country needs foreign workers to fill labour shortages and to balance the effects of an ageing population that places pressure on pensions and social services.

Civil society groups have also welcomed the decision. Laetitia Van der Vennet of the Platform for Undocumented Immigrants described the policy as a sharp contrast to rising hostility toward migrants in Europe and North America.

“At a time when a hostile environment against migrants is spreading on both sides of the Atlantic, this move shows both humanity and common sense,” she said.

Ousman Umar, a Ghanaian migrant and founder of the NASCO Feeding Minds NGO, said the policy would benefit Spain as much as migrants themselves. Umar spent five years attempting to reach Europe and survived extreme hardship before arriving in Spain, where he once lived on the streets.

“This is not only going to be good for migrants but the whole society. It will mean that these people can start working legally, pay taxes and social security,” he told Al Jazeera.

“This will mean that all these people pay into the pension system in a country where the birthrate is low and there is a growing number of older people.”

Lamine Sar, who came to Spain from Senegal 18 years ago and now works with the Top Manta fashion label, echoed similar views. The brand highlights the reality faced by migrants who sell goods on blankets, known as mantas, in city streets.

“This is a huge step forward, not just for migrants in Spain but for everyone. It will mean these people contribute to society instead of being used in a kind of slavery in the black economy,” he said.

Under the new rules, the regularisation will cover migrants who have lived in Spain for at least five months and who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025. Children of eligible applicants who already reside in Spain will also be included. Applications will open in April and close in June.

The government approved the measure through a decree, which avoids a parliamentary vote. The Socialist-led coalition lacks a majority and could have faced strong resistance from the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox party.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal criticised the move, warning of serious consequences. “The invasion kills. The arrival of half a million migrants will be a call to another half million migrants and put under strain on our health system, social security and security,” he wrote in an online post.

Despite such opposition, official figures show that irregular migration to Spain dropped by more than 40 percent last year. Authorities attribute the decline largely to agreements with Morocco and several West African countries that focus on security and cooperation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Sevilla legend Sergio Ramos has reached a preliminary agreement with a reference shareholder group to acquire Sevilla Fútbol Club, marking a major step toward a potential takeover of the Spanish side.

Ramos, who first joined Sevilla in 1996 before returning to the club in 2023, has now entered an exclusivity and due diligence phase with the investment group. This stage will allow both parties to examine the club’s financial position and governance structure ahead of any final decision.

According to a report by Carrusel, Ramos and his partners have a three-month window to assess Sevilla’s finances and overall situation before completing the transaction. Sevilla currently occupy 11th position on the La Liga table.

The development has fueled widespread excitement among supporters, as the former captain’s deep ties to the club strengthen hopes of a successful transition in ownership. With negotiations now progressing into a critical phase, the prospect of Ramos returning to Sevilla in a leadership role appears increasingly realistic.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Xabi Alonso has left his role as head coach of Real Madrid by mutual agreement, the club confirmed on Tuesday, following a defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

The decision came shortly after Madrid’s loss in the high-profile clash, a result that intensified pressure on the former midfielder, who had taken charge amid high expectations.

Sources close to the club said both parties agreed that a change was necessary as Madrid look to reset their season.

Real Madrid thanked Alonso for his commitment and professionalism during his tenure, while Alonso expressed gratitude to the club and supporters, wishing the team success in the future.

The club is expected to announce an interim coach in the coming days as it considers long-term options for the role.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Former Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has called on football’s governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, to impose an immediate ban on Israel over its ongoing military actions in Gaza. Cantona, known for his outspoken views, said football cannot remain silent while civilians continue to suffer.

His statement comes amid growing international pressure on Israel, with Spain reportedly considering a boycott of the upcoming World Cup should the situation persist. 

Spanish officials have hinted that participation in global tournaments could be reconsidered if FIFA does not take more decisive action.

The calls echo previous instances where sporting sanctions were used as leverage against states accused of human rights violations, most notably the bans imposed on apartheid-era South Africa and, more recently, Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Neither UEFA nor FIFA has officially responded to Cantona’s demand or Spain’s potential boycott threat, but the developments add further weight to the debate over the role of football in addressing global conflicts.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Spain has called for international sanctions against Israel following its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has led to heavy civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian situation.

At a high-level summit in Madrid, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares proposed suspending the EU’s cooperation agreement with Israel, imposing an arms embargo, and targeting top Israeli officials with sanctions. 

Mr Albares also called on world powers to recognise the State of Palestine as a step toward peace.

Spain has joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, further escalating diplomatic pressure. 

Meanwhile, public protests across major Spanish cities have amplified demands for an end to arms sales and more decisive action against Israel.

By Muhammad Abubakar

French football star Kylian Mbappé has taken legal steps to recover €55 million ($62 million) he claims is owed to him by his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

According to sources close to the striker, the sum represents unpaid wages between April and June 2024, following his agreement to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappé’s lawyers have reportedly been instructed to pursue the matter, insisting that PSG withheld the payments in response to his decision to leave the club after seven years.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, has denied the allegations, maintaining that all financial obligations were met in accordance with the player’s contract.

The dispute adds a new chapter to the already dramatic departure of one of football’s most marketable talents from the Parc des Princes.