The Global Story Spain stands up to Trump
10 snips
Mar 9, 2026 
Guy Hedgecoe, BBC Madrid reporter who covers Spanish politics on the ground. He walks through Pedro Sánchez’s bold 'no to war' stance, the fiery clash with Donald Trump over trade and defence, Spain’s migration and legalization plans, and whether Sánchez’s defiance could shift European politics.
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Spain Blocks US Base Access Over Iran Strikes
- Spain refused US use of Rota and Morón bases after opposing the US‑Israel offensive against Iran as illegal.
- Guy Hedgecoe explains both bases are strategically mid‑Atlantic and were being considered to launch strikes, prompting Madrid's denial.
Trump's Economic Threat Clashes With EU Trade Reality
- Donald Trump publicly threatened to "cut off all trade with Spain" after Spain opposed the Iran operation and denied base access.
- Tristan Redman and Guy Hedgecoe note the threat targeted Spain specifically despite trade being managed at EU level.
Sánchez Rose To Power Via No Confidence Vote
- Pedro Sánchez first became prime minister in 2018 by leading a successful no‑confidence motion against Mariano Rajoy.
- Guy Hedgecoe highlights Sánchez's initial promise to 'clean up politics' after corruption scandals toppled the previous government.