In an announcement during a meeting with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to sever all trade with Spain, an aggressive move further straining relations with Madrid, which recently blocked the United States from conducting military operations from Spanish territory connected with the U.S.-led Israel campaign against Iran. He criticized Spain for its stances regarding both the Iran conflict and more broadly the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Trump said he had told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Spain and further declared, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” He also admonished Spain for failing to meet the benchmark 5% of GDP NATO military spending he has called for as well as labeled the Spanish administration “unfriendly” toward U.S. Interests.
The dispute concerns the request from the United States for Spain to permit the utilization of joint U.S.-Spanish bases located in the southern part of the country (Rota and Morn bases), to assist in operations against Iran, contingent upon their use conforming to the UN charter. The Spanish government said that these bases were not employed for recent strikes in Iran and reiterated that they intend to stick to international law concerning military operations.
The Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez has maintained that “Spain says no to war,” as well as urged caution and condemned the U.S.-led Israel war campaign as an unwarranted and dangerous escalation. It insists on acting according to the United Nations charter and will not abandon their principles.
It is unclear how the United States would actually be able to end trade with Spain as the country is part of the European Union which handles trade negotiations for all 27 member countries and will defend EU interests. The EU said the process will take a look into pre-existing trade agreements, and to proceed with the new negotiations without infringing upon law.
The conflict is yet another example of the escalating dispute between the United States and several of their European allies concerning the war in Iran, disagreement over defense spending, as well as international relations, during the intense current round of diplomatic talks.
