Spain responds cautiously to Trump’s threat to halt trade over NATO and Iran policies.

Tensions are rising between the United States and Spain as the latter refuses to permit military operations tied to U.S. strikes in Iran using its bases. This decision has set the stage for an unprecedented exchange of threats, with President Trump vowing to sever trade relations, while Spain insists on complying with international law and maintaining its sovereignty over military operations. As diplomatic relations are put to the test, both nations grapple with the implications for their respective economies and international alliances.

Spain has expressed that the United States should adhere to international law and respect bilateral trade agreements with the European Union. This follows a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to sever all trade relations with Spain, responding to the country’s refusal to permit its military bases to be utilized for missions linked to strikes on Iran.

The Spanish government stated on Tuesday, “We have the necessary resources to contain the possible impact of the trade embargo by the US.” Their statement emphasizes a commitment to international agreements and law, signaling a firm stance amidst mounting pressures.

In the wake of the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned these actions as violations of international law. He advocated for a peaceful resolution, asserting that one can stand against an oppressive regime while objecting to reckless military interventions. Sanchez emphasized the necessity of dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts in the region.

On Monday, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares clarified that Spain would not permit the use of its bases, which operate jointly with U.S. forces but are under Spanish sovereignty, for military actions against Iran. He affirmed, “Spanish bases are not being used for this operation, and they will not be used for anything outside the agreement with the United States or contrary to the Charter of the United Nations,” in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telecinco.

In response to these developments, the U.S. has withdrawn 15 aircraft, including refueling tankers, from the Rota and Moron military bases in southern Spain. These decisions reflect a significant shift in military operations that could have wider ramifications for NATO and U.S.-European relations.

On Tuesday, while meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump expressed displeasure over Spain’s decisions, stating that “Spain has been terrible” for not allowing military operations. He further indicated that he instructed his Treasury Secretary to sever all dealings with Spain, stating, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

This marks a continuation of friction between Trump and the Spanish administration. In 2024, Sanchez notably halted the docking of vessels transporting weapons to Israel, further straining relations. Spain’s decisions have also provoked U.S. criticism regarding defense spending commitments within NATO, with calls for all member states to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense by 2035 in stark contrast to Spain’s current expenditure plans.

Despite these tensions, Spain, renowned for its status as the world’s premier exporter of olive oil and significant contributor of auto parts, steel, and chemicals, appears relatively insulated against potential economic repercussions from the U.S. Historically, Spain has maintained a trade surplus with the United States, amounting to .8 billion in 2025, reinforcing its economic resilience.

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