Thousands in Spain demonstrate against Iran war on International Women’s Day

A man holds a banner mocking US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a demonstration marking International Women's Day in Madrid on March 8, 2026. (Thomas COEX / AFP)
A man holds a banner mocking US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a demonstration marking International Women's Day in Madrid on March 8, 2026. (Thomas COEX / AFP)

Thousands of people come out in cities across Spain to denounce violence against women and the war in the Middle East.

Demonstrations marking International Women’s Day take place in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Bilbao, and San Sebastian, among other cities.

“No to war” and “Anti-fascist feminists against imperialist war” are among the slogans written on signs at the protests.

Madrid sees two demonstrations in the center of the Spanish capital — one for transgender rights and the other for the legalization and regulation of prostitution.

“It is within our power to stop the war, to stop the barbarity, and to win rights. We proclaim ourselves in defense of peace, in defense of the Iranian people, in defense of Iranian women,” Yolanda Diaz, second vice president, tells the press at the rally.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has drawn the ire of the US administration after he has refused the use of Spain’s military bases for strikes against Iran, which he called an “extraordinary mistake” and “not in accordance with international law.”

US President Donald Trump lashed out at Sanchez’s government, threatening to sever all trade with the EU and NATO member, which he called “a loser.”

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