A wave of support for Spain has spread across Turkey in recent days after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opposed the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and refused to allow US forces to use bases in Spain for the operation.
The response in Turkey has played out both online and in public spaces, with social media users sharing Turkish and Spanish flags, pro-Spain memes and videos from football stadiums where fans chanted in support of Spain. Turkish media outlets described the reaction as a show of public sympathy for Madrid’s anti-war stance.
Sánchez had already drawn attention in Turkey for his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. His position gained more support after he said “No to the war” and barred the use of Spanish bases for attacks on Iran, a move that set Spain apart from some other US allies.
Turkey has condemned the February 28 US and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran as illegal, while also criticizing Iran’s missile retaliation after a ballistic missile launched from Iran and headed toward Turkey was intercepted by NATO air defenses.
Spain’s image in Turkey was strengthened further after Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said troops operating a Patriot missile battery in Turkey detected and reported the missile threat, though they did not carry out the interception.
© Agence France-Presse