BRUSSELS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday that the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran are "illegal" and that the Spanish government condemns and firmly opposes them.

"We are against this war. This war is illegal, has no reason behind it, and is causing severe damage," Sanchez told reporters during the European Union (EU) leaders' summit in Brussels.

He said the conflict has led to civilian casualties and growing numbers of refugees, while also harming the global economy, "especially as countries in the Global South are already feeling the effects."

He urged the EU to play an active role and push for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

Since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began, Sanchez has firmly voiced opposition to the escalation and refused to allow the U.S. military forces to use air bases in Spain.

Last week, the Spanish government said that Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, leaving the Spanish Embassy in Tel Aviv to be headed by a charge d'affaires. ■