Trump Threatens to Cut All Trade with Spain Over Iran Stance, Base Access, and NATO Spending
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain, citing the country's opposition to U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, its refusal to grant access to military bases for such operations, and its defense spending levels within NATO. Spanish officials have reiterated their criticism of the military interventions and defended the nation's sovereignty and commitments.
Trade Threat Issued
On Tuesday, Donald Trump stated his intention to "cut off all trade with Spain" and asserted, "We don’t want anything to do with Spain." These remarks were made during an Oval Office meeting with reporters. Trump's comments followed his prior criticism of Spain as a "terrible ally."
Spain's Position on Military Actions in Iran
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly described U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran as "unjustifiable" and "dangerous" interventions. He stated Spain's position as "No to the war," expressing concerns that the attacks could lead to a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Sánchez drew parallels to the Iraq War, which he claimed led to increased terrorism and diminished global security. Spain's previous involvement in the Iraq War is linked by some Spaniards to the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed Spain would not permit the U.S. to use jointly operated bases for strikes not authorized by the United Nations charter, calling for immediate de-escalation and dialogue.
Sánchez stated that Spain would not be "complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals." Spain has also condemned Iran's regional strikes.
Dispute Over Military Bases
Trump criticized Spain for denying requests to use Spanish military bases, specifically mentioning Rota and Morón, for "Operation Epic Fury." Spain's government denied these requests, citing international law and its stance against unilateral action. Albares clarified that the military bases were not utilized in a recent attack on Iran. Trump stated the U.S. "could use their base if we want" but does not "have to."
NATO Defense Spending
Trump also reiterated his disapproval of Spain's decision regarding NATO defense spending. He criticized Spain for not committing to a 5% of GDP defense spending target, stating it was "the only country that in NATO would not agree to go up to 5%." Spain had previously stated it could achieve its military objectives by allocating 2.1% of its GDP and defended its position as "a key member of NATO, fulfilling its commitments and making a significant contribution to the defense of European territory." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the accuracy of Trump's statement regarding Spain's spending and mentioned efforts to persuade Spain to meet its commitments.
Legal and Economic Implications
The mechanism by which Trump would implement a trade cut with Spain remains unclear, given Spain's membership in the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of its 27 member states.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, when consulted by Trump, affirmed the former president's ability to implement an embargo, stating, "I agree that the Supreme Court reaffirmed your ability to implement an embargo." He added that the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department would initiate investigations. The U.S. Supreme Court previously ruled against Trump's far-reaching global tariffs; however, Trump has maintained that the court allows full-scale embargoes.
Economically, trade with the U.S. accounted for 4.4% of Spain's GDP last year, with exports specifically making up 1% (16 billion euros or $26 billion). The U.S. is Spain's sixth-largest export market for goods, including pharmaceutical products, olive oil, refined gas, and electrical transformers. Spain's central bank reported that its economy was relatively cushioned from potential Trump-imposed tariffs compared to the broader EU average.
While the former president asserts the Supreme Court allows full-scale embargoes, the practical and legal path for a trade cut against an EU member remains complex.
European Reactions
Other European leaders have expressed solidarity with Spain. European Council chief Antonio Costa conveyed the EU's "full solidarity" with Spain and affirmed that the EU would protect its member states' interests. French President Emmanuel Macron also contacted Prime Minister Sánchez to convey "France's European solidarity" against the economic coercion threats. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill affirmed that the Commission would protect the interests of the EU.
Current Status
As of Wednesday, Spain had not had direct contact with the U.S. since Trump's criticisms. Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo advised calm, noting no further moves from the U.S. beyond Trump's public comments. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sánchez’s office stated that any review of trade agreements must respect the autonomy of private companies, international law, and existing bilateral agreements between the EU and the U.S.