Spain Rejects Trump Trade Threat Over Iran War; Says ‘No to War’ Amid US Pressure

Madrid / Washington / New Delhi: Spain has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off trade over Madrid’s refusal to support military operations linked to the Iran conflict, deepening diplomatic tensions between the NATO allies.

Trump told reporters at the White House that he would “cut off all trade with Spain” after Spanish authorities denied permission for the United States to use military bases in southern Spain for operations related to the widening Middle East conflict.

The U.S. president said Spain had been “terrible” and added, “We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” while also criticizing Madrid’s defence policy and military spending.

The remarks came during Trump’s meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where he expressed frustration over Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. access to jointly operated bases at Rota and Morón.

Reports said the United States had already moved several aircraft, including refuelling tankers, from Spanish bases after Madrid rejected requests linked to Iran strike operations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded by reiterating that Spain’s foreign policy is based on international law and diplomatic conflict resolution.

In public remarks, Sánchez said Spain stands firmly for “no to war” and warned that the Iran conflict could dangerously escalate into a broader global crisis.

Spanish officials also rejected any suggestion that Madrid would change its policy under economic pressure.

Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero stated that Spain will not become “vassals” of any country and will continue defending sovereign policy decisions.

The dispute has widened diplomatic friction between Washington and European allies amid rising tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel.

The European Commission expressed solidarity with Spain, warning that unilateral trade restrictions could violate international trade frameworks governing EU–US relations.

Analysts say any U.S. attempt to cut trade with Spain would face legal and economic challenges because Spain’s trade agreements with Washington are largely regulated through the European Union.

Spain exports several products to the United States, including pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods such as olive oil.

Spain’s refusal to allow U.S. military use of its bases at Rota and Morón was reportedly based on Madrid’s position that any military action in the Middle East must comply with United Nations mandates and international law.

The diplomatic confrontation comes as global concerns grow over the expanding conflict in the Middle East, with European governments urging restraint and renewed diplomatic negotiations to prevent further escalation.