US-Israel strikes on Iran: Congress praises Pedro Sanchez remarks, questions Narendra Modi silence

The Congress welcomed Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s reported comments calling the US-Israel strikes on Iran an extraordinary mistake and a breach of international law. Party leader Jairam Ramesh contrasted Sanchez’s stance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence, arguing India should speak clearly on legality and allied conduct.

Congress on Friday praised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for reported remarks on the Iran strikes. Congress also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not commenting. Congress said the silence suggested fear. The party referred to US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and raised questions about international law.

Media reports said Sanchez criticised the United States and Israel for striking Iran. Sanchez reportedly called the action "an extraordinary mistake\". Sanchez also said it was not in line with international law. Congress linked Sanchez’s comments to India’s position, and compared the two responses.

US-Israel assault on Iran: Congress points to Sanchez remarks

Media reports quoted Sanchez explaining how allies should respond to each other. \"Between allied countries, it is good to help when the other is right, but also to tell them when they are wrong or make a mistake, as is the case here,\" Sanchez said. Congress cited this as a direct critique of the strikes.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh welcomed Sanchez’s reported stand. \"The Prime Minister of Spain -- a NATO member -- has just described the US-Israel assault on Iran as an extraordinary mistake and a violation of international law. His boldness in saying so must be applauded. In our case, the Prime Ministers silence speaks volumes of his timidity and cowardice,\" Ramesh said.

US-Israel assault on Iran: Spain-Donald Trump tensions sharpen

Sanchez has been described as Europe’s most steady critic of US President Donald Trump. Reports said Trump was angered after Sanchez refused to let American forces use Spanish military bases. The bases were not allowed for operations linked to the attacks on Iran, according to reports.

The dispute then widened into a trade threat, reports said. Trump lashed out at the Spanish prime minister on Tuesday. Trump reportedly said all trade with Spain would be cut off. Reports linked the threat to Spain’s refusal on the use of its bases.

The next day, reports said Spain pushed back again through its foreign minister. The foreign minister contradicted a White House press secretary’s claim. The claim said Spain had heard Trump’s message \"loud and clear\". It also said Spain was cooperating with the US military.

Congress used the Spain-US exchange to underline its attack on Modi’s silence. The party pointed to Sanchez’s reported language on international law. It also highlighted the growing friction between Madrid and Washington. The issue stayed focused on the Iran strikes, and the public positions taken by leaders.

With inputs from PTI