The Spanish government has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to sever trade relations following Spain's refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to use its military bases for strikes against Iran. Madrid asserted that the country "possesses the necessary resources to contain potential impacts, support affected sectors, and diversify supply chains."
اضافة اعلان
The government added that it maintains a "mutually beneficial" trade relationship with the United States and other nations. "If the U.S. administration wishes to review this relationship, it must do so while respecting the independence of private companies, international law, and bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States," the statement read.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for dialogue to end the war on Iran, stating: "One can oppose a loathsome regime while simultaneously opposing an unjustified and dangerous military intervention."
"We Will Halt All Trade with Spain"
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump threatened to cut trade ties with Spain after its refusal to grant U.S. aircraft access to its bases for the offensive against Iran. He also criticized Britain for a lack of cooperation.
The leftist Spanish government, led by Sánchez—one of Europe’s most defiant leaders against Trump—announced that the use of two bases hosting long-standing U.S. forces would only be permitted for activities consistent with the UN Charter.
Speaking to reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump remarked: "Spain has been terrible." He also pointed to Sánchez’s refusal to increase NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP, a level demanded by Trump, who argues the U.S. bears an unfair burden.
"We’re going to stop all trade with Spain... we don't want anything to do with them," Trump said, adding that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings with Spain." It remains unclear what legal mechanism Trump would use to end trade, especially after the Supreme Court struck down his use of emergency powers to impose arbitrary tariffs. "I could tomorrow, or even today, stop everything to do with Spain, all business... I have the right to do whatever I want with it," the Republican president claimed.
"Dissatisfied" with Britain
The United Kingdom, a staunch U.S. ally during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, also opted against full involvement in the attack on Iran. "I’m not happy with the UK," Trump said, adding: "This is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with," in a swipe at Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer stated that U.S. fighter jets could use two British airbases—one in Gloucestershire and the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean—for "a specific and limited defensive purpose." However, he refused to allow the U.S. to use British bases in Cyprus, one of which was targeted by an Iranian-made drone.
Trump further condemned Starmer for agreeing to return the Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. "I will say the UK was very uncooperative about that stupid island they control," Trump said. — (Agencies)
