Open Letter: Support Spain’s Stand Against War with Iran
Posted: 12th March 2026
Dear Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Dear Members of the Spanish Government, Dear Representatives of the Governments and Institutions of Europe,
We wish to express our strong support for the position taken by the Spanish government in firmly rejecting a war against Iran and in refusing to allow Spanish territory to be used for such a military escalation.
At a time of rising international tensions, when a military confrontation risks spreading across the Middle East and further destabilizing the international order, Spain is sending an important signal: a war without international legitimacy must not receive support.
At the same time, Spain has made clear that rejecting war does not in any way imply support for the policies of the Iranian regime. The repression of civil society, serious human rights violations, and destabilizing activities in the region give rise to grave concern. It is therefore both possible and necessary to clearly criticize and oppose these policies while rejecting a military intervention that would further escalate violence and undermine international law. Such a war would bring neither democracy nor security, stability, or justice to the region.
We particularly welcome the decision of the Spanish government not to authorize the use of the U.S. military bases in Rota and Morón for attacks against Iran. Although these bases are jointly operated with the United States, they remain under Spanish sovereignty and must not be used for military actions that contradict the principles of the Charter of the United Nations or contribute to further escalation. This decision demonstrates that governments can exercise their sovereign responsibility even under international pressure.
The position of your government builds on a strong democratic tradition within Spanish civil society: the clear message “No a la guerra” — No to war. This message became especially visible during the massive protests against the Iraq War in 2003, when millions of people in Spain took to the streets to oppose a military intervention without international legitimacy. Today, this message resonates far beyond Spain.
The Science4Peace Forum together with other organizations therefore calls on other European governments, as well as representatives from academia, civil society, and politics across Europe, to support this position and to follow Spain’s example:
to refuse participation in the war and oppose further escalation;
to deny the use of their territory, airspace, and military bases for offensive operations related to this conflict;
to work within the European Union and the United Nations toward de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations;
to reaffirm that respect for international law is the indispensable foundation of responsible security policy.
Europe should not become a logistical platform for the expansion of war. Instead, it should play a constructive role in promoting diplomacy, restraint, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Spain’s decision shows that even in times of great international tension it is possible to resist pressure toward escalation and to stand firmly for diplomacy, international law, and peace.
At this dangerous moment in international politics, such a position is of particular importance.