Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Madrid was surprised by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s support for U.S. pressure on Spain over the Iran issue. In an interview with state broadcaster TVE, Albares remarked that he could not imagine former German leaders Angela Merkel or Olaf Scholz making such comments.

During a visit to the White House on Tuesday, Merz stated that Madrid should be “satisfied” after agreeing to NATO’s higher defense spending target of 3.5 percent of GDP, following Trump’s threat to reduce trade with Spain. The U.S. president issued the threat after Spain refused to allow Washington to use its bases for an attack on Iran.

The exchange highlights growing diplomatic tension between Spain, Germany, and the United States over defense commitments and Iran-related policy coordination within NATO.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump threatened to halt trade with Madrid over Spain’s stance on the Middle East conflict. In a televised address to the nation, Sánchez said that humanity’s greatest disasters begin this way and warned that one cannot play 'Russian roulette' with the fate of millions of people.

The tension between the two NATO allies has escalated following Spain’s opposition to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which Sánchez described as reckless and illegal. He also blocked the use of Spanish naval and air bases for U.S. operations targeting Tehran. The dispute underscores growing divisions among Western allies over the handling of the Middle East crisis.

According to Reuters, the confrontation adds strain to transatlantic relations as both nations navigate their differing approaches to regional security and diplomacy.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has described the joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran as the beginning of a 'catastrophe for humanity.' Speaking on March 4, 2026, Sánchez made clear that Spain does not support war and that the Spanish people stand against what he called a growing disaster. He strongly criticized the military actions and reaffirmed his country's stance for peace.

Sánchez recalled that the 2003 invasion of Iraq had made the world less safe and argued that a new war against Iran would not lead to a fairer international order, a healthier environment, or better lives for ordinary people. His comments came as tensions escalated following the attacks in Iran and the broader regional fallout.

In response to Spain’s refusal to allow US forces to use its bases for the Iran operation, former US President Donald Trump threatened to cut all trade ties with Spain, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Barcelona’s title defense ended despite a 3-0 home victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semifinal at Camp Nou. The Catalan side needed to overturn a four-goal deficit from the first leg but fell short, as Atletico advanced 4-3 on aggregate to reach the final.

Marc Bernal opened the scoring in the 29th minute from a Lamine Yamal cross, and Raphinha doubled the lead from a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Bernal added his second in the 72nd minute from a Joao Cancelo assist, but Barcelona could not find the crucial fourth goal. Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso made several key saves to preserve his team’s aggregate advantage.

After the match, Musso said it might not have been their best performance, but they earned the final spot after 180 minutes of play. Raphinha expressed pride in Barcelona’s comeback effort despite disappointment at missing the final. Atletico Madrid will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the final on April 18.

French football star Kylian Mbappé has reportedly left Spain for France to seek medical treatment after expressing dissatisfaction with Real Madrid’s medical team. The forward, who has been in outstanding form this season, suffered a knee injury in December that has yet to fully heal. Despite ongoing care from the club’s doctors, Mbappé remains unfit and missed the Champions League playoff match against Benfica. He has now consulted several specialist physicians in France with the club’s permission.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that Mbappé is unhappy with Real Madrid’s handling of his injury, believing the medical staff failed to provide an effective solution over the past three months. The exact nature of his knee problem remains uncertain, with possible issues involving both the internal lateral and posterior cruciate ligaments. His main goal is to identify the root cause of the injury and return to full fitness for the crucial stages of the season.

Mbappé’s participation in the upcoming Champions League round of 16 matches against Manchester City remains doubtful, though Real Madrid hopes he will recover before the second leg.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that Spain will not permit its military bases to be used for attacks on Iran. The statement came after reports of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which Spain condemned. Al Jazeera reported the development on Tuesday, citing Albares’ remarks.

Flight tracking data showed that since the weekend attacks began, fifteen U.S. aircraft departed from the Rota and Morón bases in southern Spain. According to Flightradar24, at least seven of those planes landed at Germany’s Ramstein Air Base. The report highlighted Spain’s stance as part of a broader European response to the escalating conflict.

The article also noted that Britain initially refused to allow its bases to be used for strikes on Iran but later reversed its position. Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized their use on Sunday, citing “collective self-defense.”

Spain’s government has declared that no military base on its territory has been or will be used for attacks on Iran. On Monday in Madrid, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that Spain retains full control over bases under its sovereignty, including Rota and Morón de la Frontera, and that these facilities are not being used in any Middle East operations. He emphasized that Spain will not authorize any deployment outside the framework of the United Nations Charter or its own sovereign decisions.

Albares described recent U.S. strikes as unilateral actions and said Madrid had not been informed beforehand. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also criticized unilateral moves by the United States and Israel against Iran, warning that such actions increase global instability. The foreign minister further cautioned that rising tensions could disrupt the Strait of Hormuz and drive up oil prices, urging all parties to de-escalate and pursue diplomacy.

Spain additionally condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the Persian Gulf region, calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected what he described as the “unilateral” military actions of the United States and Israel in relation to recent developments involving Iran. In a statement posted on social media platform X on February 28, 2026, Sánchez said such actions have heightened tensions and made the international system more uncertain and hostile.

Sánchez also rejected the actions of the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guard, calling for an immediate de-escalation of the situation. He urged all parties to ensure full respect for international law. His remarks came as reports indicated that Iran had launched missiles and drones toward Israel, and regional diplomatic contacts were intensifying.

The Spanish leader’s statement underscores growing international concern over the rising instability in the Middle East and the potential for broader conflict if tensions are not reduced.

Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Girona on Monday night at Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, losing their top position in the Spanish La Liga standings. The Catalan club, previously one point ahead, dropped to second place with 58 points from 24 matches, while Real Madrid moved two points clear at the top with 60 points. Despite taking an early lead and attempting 26 shots, coach Hansi Flick’s side could not avoid defeat.

Girona matched Barcelona’s intensity throughout the match, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia making several crucial saves to deny at least seven clear scoring chances. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal missed a penalty in first-half injury time, hitting the post, which could have secured at least one point for the visitors. The loss marked Barcelona’s first league defeat after leading a match since December 21, 2014, when they lost 2-1 to Atlético Madrid.

The result leaves Barcelona under pressure in the title race, as Real Madrid’s earlier 4-1 win over Real Sociedad ensured their return to the top of the table.

At least five people were killed and four others injured when a fire broke out in a five-storey residential building in Manlleu, a city in Spain’s northeastern province of Barcelona, on Monday evening. According to local authorities, the blaze started on the roof floor, prompting a rapid response from the Catalan fire service. Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control within about half an hour, but five people on the upper floor were found dead.

The four injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, though officials have not released details about the severity of their conditions. Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, with local patrol units assisting in the inquiry. Authorities are also working to identify the victims.

Officials confirmed that other residents of the building were safely evacuated, and assessments are underway to determine the extent of structural damage caused by the blaze.

Atletico Madrid defeated defending champions Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. Despite dominating possession, passing, and attacking statistics, Barcelona failed to score, while errors and precise finishing from Atletico sealed the heavy loss. An own goal by Eric Garcia, followed by strikes from Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, and Julian Alvarez, gave the hosts a commanding lead before halftime.

Barcelona attempted to recover after the break, but a disallowed goal for offside and missed chances from Ferran Torres left them scoreless. Eric Garcia’s red card in the 85th minute ended any remaining hopes of a comeback. The Catalan side had beaten the same opponent to reach last season’s final, but this time face a steep challenge.

Barcelona must overturn a four-goal deficit in the return leg at Camp Nou on March 3 to keep their title defense alive, while Atletico Madrid move closer to a place in the final.

Barcelona advanced to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey after defeating second-division side Albacete 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The match, held in Albacete, saw goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo secure victory for the Spanish giants. Yamal opened the scoring in the 39th minute following a sequence involving Marcus Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, while Araujo doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a header from a Rashford corner. Albacete managed a consolation goal through Moreno late in the game.

Albacete had previously made headlines by eliminating Real Madrid from the tournament, creating one of the biggest surprises of the competition. However, they could not repeat that feat against Barcelona, who maintained control for most of the match. Despite a disallowed goal for offside in the 83rd minute, Albacete’s late effort was not enough to overturn the deficit.

With this win, Barcelona move into the last four and now set their sights on reaching the Copa del Rey final.

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has announced a major decision to legalize more than half a million undocumented migrants living in the country. The move follows a historic agreement that will be formalized through a royal decree expected on Tuesday, January 27. It marks Spain’s largest regularization initiative for migrants in the past two decades.

Under the new policy, individuals residing in Spain before December 31, 2025, will be eligible to apply for legal status, provided they can prove continuous residence for at least five months. Successful applicants will receive a one-year temporary residence permit, renewable thereafter. The permit will grant them the right to work legally and access Spain’s healthcare and social security systems.

Human rights organizations have welcomed the government’s decision. Officials say integrating a large number of people into the formal economy will help curb labor exploitation and boost national economic growth, with expectations of a significant rise in GDP.

Barcelona secured a 4-2 victory over Slavia Prague in their UEFA Champions League group match at Fortuna Arena. Despite conceding an early goal to Czech forward Vasil Kusej in the tenth minute, the Spanish champions came back strongly. Fermin Lopez scored twice, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski added one goal each. Slavia Prague’s second goal came from an own goal by Lewandowski in the first half.

Barcelona dominated possession with 59 percent and registered 17 shots, 12 of which were on target, compared to Prague’s eight shots with only two on target. Coach Hansi Flick had to field his team without Lamine Yamal due to a card suspension. Dani Olmo scored just a minute after coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute, and Lewandowski redeemed his earlier own goal with a strike in the 70th minute.

With this win, Barcelona climbed to ninth place in the standings with 13 points from seven matches, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the round of 16. Three other teams above them also have 13 points, with one group-stage round remaining.

Spain’s largest train drivers’ union, SEMAF, has announced a nationwide strike following a series of train derailments that have shaken the country. The latest incident occurred near Barcelona on Tuesday when heavy rain caused a retaining wall to collapse onto the tracks, derailing a commuter train. The train’s driver was killed and four passengers were seriously injured, according to Reuters. Rail operator Adif reported a third derailment in the same regional network during the storm, though no casualties were reported.

Just two days earlier, a high-speed train derailed near Adamuz in Córdoba province, about 360 kilometers south of Madrid, colliding with another train and killing at least 42 people, including the driver. The back-to-back accidents have sparked nationwide concern over railway safety.

In a statement, SEMAF said it would seek criminal accountability for those responsible for ensuring railway infrastructure safety. The union had previously warned Adif in August about severe track deterioration, citing potholes, bumps, and power line imbalances causing frequent mechanical failures across several high-speed lines.