US Threatens Trade With Spain; Any Break Targets the EU

Spain’s refusal to allow US military use of its bases for operations against Iran has prompted President Donald Trump to order a halt to all US-Spain trade, heightening uncertainty in transatlantic security and commercial relations. However, Madrid says trade policy is set by the EU and cannot be changed unilaterally. The dispute affects defense cooperation under NATO, European diplomatic alignment, and global logistics, including US refueling operations previously stationed at Spanish bases. 

US President Donald Trump has ordered the United States to break “all trade with Spain” after the Spanish government refused to allow Washington to use US military bases on its territory for operations against Iran.

At the White House, during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said, "Spain has been terrible, so we are going to cut off all trade with them. We do not want anything to do with them." Criticizing Spain in the context of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, he added that the country “is not cooperating, just like the UK,” and noted “some European nations have been very helpful, and others have not been at all.” Tension arises following United States and Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, prompting retaliatory attacks across the region, including Persian Gulf states and Cyprus. 

Spain’s refusal to authorize operations from the Rota and Morón bases led the Pentagon to relocate roughly a dozen KC-135 refueling aircraft to bases in Germany and France. "What is clear is that the tanker aircraft have not carried out, nor were they going to carry out, any support operations (for the attack on Iran). Probably for that reason, the American military has made the sovereign decision to move them to other bases," Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles explained.

Trump’s trade order adds an economic layer to the security dispute, creating uncertainty in US-Spain commercial relations. During the same meeting, Merz reiterated that Spain should raise defense spending to 3-3.5% of its GDP, noting that while Madrid is a NATO member, it has not committed to such an increase.

Spain’s Position on US-Israel Attacks on Iran

Spain has rejected participation in the military offensive against Iran and framed its decision around international law and de-escalation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, backed by Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Robles, ordered that US bases in Spain not be used for operations against Iran. The government described the conflict as "a folly with unpredictable consequences" without the approval of the United States Congress and without authorization from the United Nations.

Robles said that the bilateral defense cooperation agreement with the United States “must operate within the framework of international law” and stressed that the current actions are unilateral and lack the backing of any multilateral organization such as the UN, NATO, or the European Union. “The bases will not provide support except, if necessary, from a humanitarian standpoint. Until there is a resolution, the treaty is not applicable,” he said.

Regarding US threats to alter trade relations, the Spanish government responded by emphasizing that trade policy is set by the European Union, not Spain, and therefore cannot be unilaterally altered with a single country. “Spain is a key NATO member, fulfilling its commitments and contributing significantly to the defense of European territory. We are also a major EU exporter and a dependable trading partner for 195 countries, including the United States, with whom we maintain a historic and mutually beneficial commercial relationship. If the US administration wishes to review it, it must do so respecting private companies’ autonomy, international law, and the bilateral agreements between the EU and the United States,” stated the government.

In addition to condemning the attacks, Albares summoned Iran’s Ambassador in Madrid, Reza Zabib, to convey Spain’s rejection and demand an immediate halt to hostilities. He emphasized that Spain’s priority is the safety of the 30,000 Spaniards currently in the region, including 13,000 in the United Arab Emirates. A 24-hour crisis unit has been activated to coordinate responses. Authorities are evaluating evacuation options by land and air, though closed regional airspace and long overland distances complicate logistics.

Spain’s stance differs from that of France, Germany and the United Kingdom. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Merz said they are prepared to undertake “necessary and proportionate defensive actions” in coordination with the United States.

Spanish officials argue that Europe’s role should focus on de-escalation. “Europe’s voice at this time must be one of balance and moderation, working towards a gradual easing of restrictions and a return to the negotiating table,” Albares said. He added that “Europe must defend international law, the gradual easing of restrictions, and negotiation.”

Spain has previously taken similar positions. In 1986, under then-Prime Minister Felipe González, Spain denied the United States use of its airspace during the bombing of Tripoli, Libya.

Spain Defiant Stance Toward US Policies

Sánchez has long taken positions at odds with US policy, from opposing the intervention in Venezuela to resisting NATO’s defense spending target. In a New York Times op-ed, he criticized “MAGA-style leaders” for misleading the public on migration and likened his digital platform regulations to “making social media great again.” His approach enjoys broad domestic support, aligns with Europe’s interest in reducing dependence on the United States and China, and is reinforced by lingering resentment over US backing of Franco’s regime.

At the same time, Sánchez’s stance has drawn scrutiny from Washington. Ambassador Benjamin Leon has pressed Spain to meet NATO spending targets, and US officials are reviewing potential restrictions after Sánchez denied port access to vessels transporting weapons to Israel. 

Analysts note that Spain’s smaller trade exposure reduces vulnerability to punitive measures, giving Sánchez space to project independence and credibility at home and abroad. Supporters argue this posture strengthens Spain’s strategic autonomy, while critics in Europe and Washington warn it strains transatlantic solidarity.