MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a strong warning against repeating the decisions that led to the 2003 Iraq War, criticizing the use of disputed intelligence to justify military action and saying governments must learn from past mistakes.
In remarks directed at former US President Donald Trump, Sánchez recalled Spain’s involvement in the Iraq conflict more than two decades ago, arguing that the war was launched based on claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), claims that were later proven incorrect.
“Twenty-three years ago, the United States dragged us into the Iraq war, telling us that they had weapons of mass destruction. Nothing was found. You cannot deceive us a second time,” Sánchez said.
The Spanish prime minister’s comments referred to one of the most controversial military interventions of the 21st century. The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was supported by several allied countries, including Spain under the government of then-Prime Minister José María Aznar. The invasion led to the overthrow of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein but also resulted in years of conflict, political instability, and widespread debate over the decision to go to war.
Sánchez argued that international decisions involving military force must be based on accurate information, transparency, and respect for international law. He emphasized that citizens should not be asked to support wars based on claims that later prove to be false.
The remarks come amid renewed global debates over the use of military power, security threats, and the role of major powers in international conflicts. Sánchez has frequently advocated for diplomatic solutions and stronger multilateral cooperation through international institutions.
The Iraq War remains a highly sensitive issue in Spain, where public opposition to the conflict was significant at the time. Spain later withdrew its troops from Iraq in 2004 after Sánchez’s predecessor left office and a new government took power.
Sánchez’s comments highlight ongoing disagreements among world leaders over foreign policy, military intervention, and the lessons that should be drawn from past conflicts.
The Spanish leader’s message was clear: governments must provide credible evidence before taking decisions that can lead to war, and past failures should not be repeated.
