Sánchez to Trump: Spain won’t ‘applaud those who set the world on fire just because they then show up with a bucket’

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Wednesday joined a chorus of world leaders welcoming the announcement of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire but issued a thinly veiled swipe at the Trump administration for having initiated the hostilities. "Ceasefires are always good news. Especially if they lead to a just and lasting peace. But this momentary relief cannot make us forget the chaos, the destruction, and the lives lost," Sánchez said in a social media post, according to a translation. "The Government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket." Sánchez, who has emerged as one of the European Union's leading critics of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, called for "diplomacy, international law and PEACE" to prevail. His comments come shortly after the U.S. president said he had agreed to suspend attacks on Iranian infrastructure for two weeks, sparking a broad-based relief rally across risk assets. Trump had earlier threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if no deal was struck by his Tuesday deadline.Iranian officials said the temporary truce meant safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would be "possible," subject to coordination with its armed forces and "technical limitations" — caveats that may give Tehran some room to define compliance on its own terms. World leaders welcomed the ceasefire, although analysts characterized the agreement as fragile and warned that a substantial lack of trust on both sides will likely complicate the path to lasting peace. Sánchez has repeatedly raised the ire of the White House since the U.S. and Israel first launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28. Spain's government refused to allow two jointly operated bases in its territory from being used in U.S. strikes against Iran, before later closing its airspace to U.S. aircraft involved in attacks as it doubled down on its anti-war stance. In response, Trump renewed his criticism of Spain's defense spending and threatened to sever all trade ties with the southern European country. Alongside Spain's prime minister, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the two-week ceasefire, saying it brings "much needed de-escalation." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the deal as "a step back from the brink after weeks of escalation." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the ceasefire agreement, saying it "will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world." Israel, for its part, backed the U.S. ceasefire with Iran but said the agreement doesn't cover fighting against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, India, China and Japan all issued statements welcoming the diplomatic breakthrough, which was brokered by Pakistan. Further talks to explore a comprehensive end to the Middle East crisis are scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Friday.— CNBC's Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report.Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you.Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inboxGet this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services.© 2026 Versant Media, LLC.

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