US-Spain Tensions Mount Over Iran Operations and Trade Threats

Tensions have heightened between the United States and Spain following former US President Donald Trump's threats to halt trade with Spain. The threats emerged after Spain reiterated its refusal to permit US forces to use jointly operated military bases for operations against Iran and maintained its stance on defense spending. Spanish officials have criticized US and Israeli military actions in Iran, advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

Escalation of Dispute

On Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump issued threats to cease trade with Spain, citing Spain's perceived lack of support for US and Israeli military actions against Iran. The disagreement intensified after Spain declined US requests to use its military bases for such operations and maintained its position on NATO defense spending.

Spain's Firm Stance on Military Actions and Base Access

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly described US and Israeli military actions against Iran as "unjustifiable" and "dangerous," reiterating Spain's stance of "No to the war."

Sánchez stated that Spain would not be complicit in actions detrimental to global stability or contrary to Spanish values.

He expressed concerns that the attacks could lead to a prolonged conflict, drawing parallels to the 2003 Iraq War. Spain has called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue among the United States, Israel, and Iran, and has also been an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares affirmed that Spain would not permit the US to use jointly operated bases in southern Spain for any strikes not authorized by the United Nations charter. He confirmed that these military bases were not utilized in the recent attack on Iran. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated on Thursday:

"No single country should act as a guardian of the world. We have international rules."

She emphasized that Spain's position has been consistently clear and that the government would not authorize the use of the Rota and Morón bases for these military actions.

The US military had previously relocated over a dozen refueling aircraft, which were based in Spain, after being denied permission to launch missions from the two bases over the weekend. The Rota and Morón de la Frontera bases, located in Andalusia, have been used by the US since 1953 and are considered strategically significant for operations in the Middle East. Mr. Trump had specifically requested the use of Spanish military bases for an operation he referred to as "Epic Fury."

Trump's Threats and Justifications

On Tuesday, Mr. Trump criticized Spain as a "terrible ally" and threatened to "cut off all trade with Spain."

"We don’t want anything to do with Spain."

He asserted that the US "could use their base if we want" but does not "have to." Mr. Trump's threats were attributed to Spain's refusal of base access and its stance on military action in Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented that Spain's refusal to allow base use endangered American lives by slowing military engagement.

Mr. Trump indicated that the US Supreme Court's ruling on his previous global tariffs permits a president to impose full-scale embargoes on nations. Mr. Bessent reportedly affirmed this interpretation to Mr. Trump during an Oval Office meeting. Mr. Trump also commented that Spain possesses "absolutely nothing that we need other than great people," while criticizing its leadership.

Conflicting Reports on Base Cooperation

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday that Spain had "agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military." This statement was directly refuted by Spanish officials. Foreign Minister Albares affirmed Spain's position on base usage remained "clear and unequivocal." Defense Minister Robles explicitly denied that her prescheduled meeting with US Ambassador Benjamin León Jr. influenced Ms. Leavitt's statement, noting that the White House spokesperson issued the statement while their meeting was still in progress.

NATO Spending Dispute

Mr. Trump also reiterated his disapproval of Spain's decision to withdraw from NATO's 5% defense spending target. Spain had stated its intention to achieve its military objectives by allocating 2.1% of its GDP, a move Mr. Trump had previously criticized with tariff threats. He noted Spain as "the only country that in NATO would not agree to go up to 5%." The Spanish government defended its position, stating it is "a key member of NATO, fulfilling its commitments and making a significant contribution to the defense of European territory." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged Mr. Trump's statement regarding Spain's NATO spending.

Economic Implications of Trade Threats

The mechanism by which Mr. Trump would implement a trade cutoff with Spain remains unclear, as Spain is a member of the European Union, which negotiates trade on behalf of its 27 member states. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a trade embargo would require a "combination effort."

Last year, Spain's central bank reported its economy was relatively cushioned from potential Trump-imposed tariffs compared to the broader EU average. Trade with the US accounted for 4.4% of Spain's GDP, with exports specifically making up 1% (16 billion euros or $26 billion). The US is Spain's sixth-largest export market for goods, including pharmaceutical products, olive oil, refined gas, and electrical transformers.

The US Supreme Court had previously ruled against Mr. Trump's far-reaching global tariffs, stating that emergency powers do not permit a president to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs.

European Union Response and Solidarity

Other European leaders have expressed solidarity with Spain following Trump's threats. European Council chief Antonio Costa conveyed the EU's "full solidarity" and affirmed that the EU would protect its member states' interests. French President Emmanuel Macron contacted Prime Minister Sánchez to convey "France's European solidarity" against the economic coercion threats. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Spain, as an EU member, could not be isolated in trade negotiations. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill affirmed the Commission's commitment to protect EU interests. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas cautioned that further escalation of the conflict could pose:

"Unpredictable consequences for Europe and beyond."

Current Status

As of Wednesday, Spain had not had direct contact with the US since Mr. Trump's criticisms. Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo advised calm, noting no further moves from the US beyond Mr. Trump's public comments. Spain's Defense Ministry has deployed its warship, Cristóbal Colón, to the Mediterranean to join French and Greek forces as a protective measure. While Prime Minister Sánchez's center-left Socialist Party leads a coalition government, Spain's main opposition, the conservative Popular Party, has expressed support for the US and Israeli military campaign and criticized Sánchez's stance.