News Roundup — March 26, 2026

Headlines

Parliament votes on Iran crisis decree today

• What happened: The Spanish Parliament is debating and voting on a decree today that outlines the government’s comprehensive response to the crisis sparked by the war in Iran. With Junts already signaling their support, the bill is expected to pass.
• Why it matters: This decree is the cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to handle the economic and social fallout from the conflict; whether it passes or fails will set the tone for the stability of Sánchez’s government in the coming weeks.

Sánchez warns of "worse than Iraq" conflict scenario

• What happened: President Pedro Sánchez told Parliament yesterday that the conflict in Iran carries a far deeper and wider potential for destruction than the Iraq War. Opposition leader Feijóo hit back hard, telling him, "No to the war, and no to you."
• Why it matters: The debate has exposed a massive rift between the government and the opposition, with both sides trading jabs over how the crisis is being managed and what it means for Spain.

Political fallout over Azcón's comments on Montero

• What happened: Acting President of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, sparked major backlash after saying, "Alegría is physically more attractive than Montero." Minister Montero slammed the comments as sexist and tied them to the broader PP party, accusing them of attacking women based on their looks.
• Why it matters: The incident has reignited the conversation around sexism in Spanish politics and is stirring up internal friction within the PP as they negotiate a government pact with Vox in Extremadura.

Earth Hour 2026: 20 years of activism under fire

• What happened: This year's Earth Hour marked two decades of history, though the celebration was overshadowed by a stark warning: global climate policies are actively losing ground.
• Why it matters: The movement finds itself at a crossroads, caught between decades of environmental progress and a new wave of political pushback against climate action worldwide.

Airport chaos in the U.S.

• What happened: Travelers at U.S. airports were stuck in security lines for up to four hours on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly considering backing a plan to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
• Why it matters: Between these delays and the ongoing investigation into the LaGuardia accident—which points to a chain of systemic failures—public confidence in U.S. air travel is at an all-time low.

Economy and Business

IBEX 35 at 16,900; Oil hits $100

The IBEX 35 finished Wednesday with some uncertainty near 16,900 points as crude oil climbed back to the $100-per-barrel mark. The Euríbor is also under pressure, with the market bracing for potential European Central Bank policy shifts due to the energy shock from the Iran crisis.

Government defends VAT cuts against oil price volatility

The government insists that their VAT cuts are still "providing relief" for citizens, despite the wild fluctuations in oil prices caused by the war in Iran. However, members of Sumar have accused Minister Carlos Cuerpo of using underhanded tactics to stall stricter workplace time-tracking regulations.

Global News

Trump and the Iran crisis: Talk or escalation?

The situation in Iran remains the primary driver of global instability, with the world watching closely to see if things move toward diplomacy or further military escalation.