Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed on Friday that Spain will not intervene militarily in the Red Sea due to a "commitment to peace," adding that any country that does so will have to explain their actions. Robles stated to reporters, "Every country must provide explanations for its actions. Spain will always adhere to peace and dialogue." She emphasized that Spain does not judge the actions of other countries.
Robles reiterated Madrid's decision not to participate in the U.S.-led naval operation aimed at protecting shipping in the Red Sea, saying that Spain is already committed to other missions, such as the EU's Atalanta operation to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, which she described as "very demanding." She continued, "The EU may decide... in the coming days whether it should undertake a naval mission. We do not yet know the extent of the mission if it agrees to such a task, but for now, Spain's position is not to intervene in the Red Sea out of a sense of responsibility and commitment to peace."
Robles' remarks came after American and British strikes on Yemen overnight in response to Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea.
