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Spanish PM Revives Iraq War Warning in Sharp Response to Trump: “You Cannot Fool Us Twice”

July 12, 2026

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reignited debate over the legacy of the 2003 Iraq War after delivering a pointed message to U.S. President Donald Trump amid growing tensions between Washington and Madrid.

Sánchez drew a direct comparison between current geopolitical tensions and the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, warning against repeating what he described as one of the West's biggest foreign policy mistakes.

According to multiple reports, Sánchez said:

“Twenty-three years ago, the U.S. dragged us into Iraq over claims of weapons of mass destruction. None were found. You cannot fool us twice.” �

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A Reference to the Iraq War

The Spanish leader's remarks refer to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, which was justified by the United States and its allies on claims that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Extensive post-war investigations failed to find active WMD stockpiles, making the conflict one of the most controversial military interventions in recent history. �

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Spain participated in the Iraq coalition under former Prime Minister José María Aznar despite widespread public opposition. The war remains a politically sensitive issue in Spain more than two decades later. �

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Growing Tensions Between Spain and the United States

Sánchez's comments come amid an increasingly strained relationship between Madrid and Washington over security and foreign policy.

Recent disagreements have centered on Spain's refusal to support U.S. military actions against Iran and ongoing disputes within NATO regarding defence spending. President Trump has publicly criticized Spain's position and has previously threatened economic consequences over policy differences. �

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The Spanish government has maintained that its priority is diplomacy, international law, and avoiding another prolonged military conflict similar to Iraq. �

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International Reaction

Sánchez's remarks have attracted significant attention across international media and social media platforms. Supporters argue that the statement serves as a reminder of the consequences of intelligence failures and the importance of evidence before military intervention.

Critics, however, contend that the current geopolitical situation differs substantially from the circumstances surrounding the 2003 Iraq War and argue that direct comparisons may oversimplify today's security challenges. �

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Looking Ahead

The exchange highlights continuing tensions between the United States and Spain over foreign policy and military strategy. As both countries remain key NATO allies, observers will be watching closely to see whether diplomatic dialogue eases the disagreement or whether the dispute expands into broader political and economic issues.

For now, Sánchez's reference to Iraq has revived one of the defining controversies of modern international politics, underscoring how decisions made more than two decades ago continue to shape debates over war, intelligence, and global security. �

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