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Trump threatens to cut all trade with Spain over Iran spat
The US president’s latest outburst comes after Spain refused to allow the United States to use air bases on Spanish soil as part of the “illegal” war against Iran
US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after the Spanish government refused permission for the United States to use the jointly operated Rota and Morón air bases in operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
The warning, delivered during a meeting at the White House, has escalated tensions between the two NATO allies and placed nearly €47 billion in bilateral trade at risk.
During a meeting on Tuesday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office, Trump sharply criticised Spain’s position. He described the country as “a terrible partner” within NATO and said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with Madrid.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump said. He also insisted that “nobody” would tell him he could not use Spanish facilities, despite Madrid’s refusal to authorise their use in military action against Iran.
The dispute centres on the Rota naval base in Cádiz and the Morón air base in Seville, which are jointly operated under bilateral defence agreements. Spain has prohibited their use for strikes related to Iran, a decision that has triggered the diplomatic clash.
Trump further accused Spain of failing to meet its NATO commitments. He claimed Spain “was the only NATO country that did not agree” to raise its defence spending to 5% and argued that Madrid had wanted to keep spending at 2%.
Response from Spain and the EU
The government of Pedro Sánchez responded swiftly. Sources at the central Moncloa Palace in Madrid said Spain has “the necessary resources to contain any potential impacts, help sectors that could be affected, and diversify supply chains”.
They stressed that Spain is a “key member of NATO, which fulfils its commitments and makes a significant contribution to the defence of European territory”. The Spanish government also underlined that any review of trade arrangements by Washington must respect “the autonomy of private companies, international law, and the bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States,” with the expectation that Donald Trump would honour existing agreements under the current world order.
According to government sources in Spain, the country’s intention remains to promote free trade and economic cooperation based on mutual respect and compliance with international law, arguing that citizens expect stability and prosperity rather than further disruption.
In Brussels, the European Commission expressed confidence that the United States would honour its commitments under existing trade agreements with the European Union. Trade spokesperson Olof Gill said the EU’s position “has not changed” and reiterated that Brussels is prepared to defend the interests of member states if necessary. “The Commission will always guarantee the full protection of the EU’s interests,” he said, without outlining specific measures.
Could affect a possible €47 billion in trade
Trump’s warning places almost €47 billion in annual trade flows in jeopardy. Last year, Spain exported goods worth €16.716 billion to the United States, an 8% decrease compared with the previous year, while imports from the US totalled €30.175 billion, up 7%.
Data from Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business show that Spain’s trade deficit with the United States has widened by more than 34%, surpassing €13.4 billion amid the wider tariff tensions initiated by the White House. Even so, trade with the US represents just over 4% of Spain’s total exports and close to 6% of imports.
Among the main Spanish exports are olive oil, wine and table olives, along with engines, machinery, electrical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Industrial products are considered particularly exposed. These include semi-manufactured goods such as aluminium, steel, copper and chemical products, as well as capital goods like machinery and tools used in manufacturing.
It remains unclear whether the threat will translate into concrete measures, but the exchange has introduced fresh uncertainty into transatlantic relations at a time of already heightened geopolitical strain.
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Image 1: POTUS/X
Image 2: La Moncloa
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