'Thank you PM' on missiles: Iran uses Pedro Sánchez’s anti-war remark in strike on Israel

The stickers affixed on ballistic missiles targeted towards Israel.

• Iran fires missiles at Israel bearing anti-war Sanchez quotes
• Spain denied US use of its bases for attacks on Iran
• Sanchez warned of global consequences and urged dialogue over war

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In what appears to be a 'symbolic' display of wartime messaging, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles aimed at Israel with stickers featuring anti-war message by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The stickers, seen in visuals circulated by Iranian media, were affixed to ballistic missiles before they were launched towards Israel. Images circulating online showed an IRGC fighter pasting a sticker bearing Sanchez’s image and a quote saying, “Of course, this war is not only illegal, but also inhuman. Thank you, Prime Minister", printed in both English and Persian.

Another such sticker seen in the video showed the Iranians extending similar sentiments of gratitude to those “who express sympathy in London or Trump’s war crimes in Iran." Moneycontrol could not verify the authenticity of the video.

The move comes days after Sánchez reiterated Spain’s strong opposition to the ongoing conflict, declaring a clear “no to war" stance and criticising US-Israeli strikes on Iran as “unjustifiable," “illegal" and “dangerous."

Spain has taken a distinctive position within Europe since the war began. Sánchez said Spain would not support or be complicit in the military escalation and described the US–Israel military action on Iran as “unilateral” and against international law. Sánchez urged dialogue and negotiations instead of further military action.

Spain denied the US permission to use its military bases--Rota naval base and Moron air base--for attacks on Iran, a move that drew sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to cut off trade ties with Spain.

The government maintained that its role would remain defensive, not offensive. According to Al Jazeera, Spain even withdrew its ambassador from Israel, signalling strong disapproval of the escalation.

At a recent European Union summit, Sánchez doubled down on his position, warning that the conflict risks severe humanitarian and economic consequences globally.

While the practice of writing messages on weapons is not new, the use of a European leader’s anti-war remarks has drawn particular attention. Iranian state media earlier showed fighters inscribing slogans on missiles, vowing continued strikes amid the escalating conflict.

The conflict in West Asia has sharply escalated with direct US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile attacks across Israel and the Gulf states. The West Asia conflict, which began on February 28, entered its 24th day on Monday, with both sides intensifying military operations.

Iran has kept up retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE and nearby nations in response to US-Israeli strikes. Trump has set a deadline, warning that the US could strike Iran’s power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The ultimatum came even as Washington signalled it might consider winding down the conflict, with US military assets continuing to move into the region.