Spain becomes EU’s most vocal opponent to US-Israel attacks on Iran, 20th edition of Mobile World Congress starts in Barcelona and more news on Monday March 2nd.
Spain becomes EU’s most vocal opponent to US-Israel attacks on Iran
Spain has become the most critical voice in the EU against the US and Israeli military operation against Iran this weekend.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it “a breach of international law” and said it “represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order,” while also rejecting “the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard.”
The Spanish premier even halted a meeting of European ministers, deeming their joint statement too ambiguous.
For its part, the Spanish Foreign Ministry has activated a crisis cabinet as there are approximately 30,000 Spaniards in affected Middle East countries, with no injuries reported thus far.
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20th edition of Mobile World Congress starts in Barcelona
The Mobile World Congress (MWC), the world’s largest event dedicated to mobile technology, returns to Barcelona for another year, running from Monday March 2nd to Wednesday 5th.
The congress will bring together thousands of professionals, technology companies, and industry experts to Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via venue to present new products, analyse trends, and set the agenda for the global technology ecosystem.
However, there are reports that the escalating conflict in the Middle East following the US’s air attacks on Iran have led to a flurry of flight cancellations which will likely affect attendance from overseas.
Susan Sarandon praises Spain’s stance on Gaza
Veteran Hollywood star Susan Sarandon has praised the Spanish government’s support for Gaza, saying it was “on the right side of history”.
“I think Spain is doing an incredible job,” Sarandon, her voice trembling with emotion, told reporters in Barcelona.
She lauded Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and actors such as Oscar-winner Javier Bardem for taking a strong public stand in support of Palestine.
“When you turn on the TV and see how strong Spain is and how clear you are morally on these issues, it makes you feel less alone,” Sarandon said.
The star of “Thelma and Louise” called Spain’s position “so important” in the United States, which she described as “a place where you feel repression and censorship”.
Spain’s Sánchez has been one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s war on Gaza, becoming the most senior European leader to refer to the conflict as a “genocide”.
His leftist government broke with European allies in 2024 by recognising a Palestinian state, infuriating Israel.
“Whenever I have seen him, he has been on the right side of history and also said it in a very clear way.” Sarandon said of Sánchez, describing him as “handsome and tall”.
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Spanish footballer Mir accused of racism in La Liga match
Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali accused Elche forward Rafa Mir of a racist insult during their teams’ La Liga clash on Sunday, according to the referee’s report.
Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia briefly paused the match under the anti-racism protocol in the 80th minute after speaking to Morocco international El Hilali.
“El Hilali informed me that (Mir) addressed him in the following terms: ‘You came here on a dinghy,’ which could not be heard by any member of the refereeing team,” wrote the referee in his report.
“Consequently, I proceeded to activate the anti-racism protocol, for which reason the match was stopped for three minutes.”
El Hilali, born in Spain, seemed visibly upset after the incident.
In October 2025, Mir was indicted on sexual assault allegations.
With additional reporting by AFP.
