Trump Threatens to Cut Off U.S. Trade With Spain Amid NATO and Iran Dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade between the United States and Spain, escalating tensions between the two NATO allies. The warning came after Spain refused to allow U.S. forces to use jointly operated military bases on Spanish territory for missions connected to strikes on Iran.

Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump criticized Spain’s stance and described the country as “very uncooperative.” He stated that he had instructed officials to explore options to stop all trade dealings with Spain, saying the United States “doesn’t want anything to do with Spain.”

The dispute centers on Spain’s decision to block the use of the U.S.–Spanish bases at Rota and Morón for military operations related to the escalating conflict with Iran. Spain’s government argued that such operations lacked clear international legal backing and were not covered under existing agreements governing the bases.

Trump also expressed frustration over Spain’s defense spending, claiming Madrid has not met NATO’s expectations for military investment. The U.S. president has repeatedly urged NATO members to increase defense budgets, and Spain has been among the countries criticized for lower spending levels.

Spanish officials, however, rejected the criticism and defended their position, emphasizing adherence to international law and existing trade agreements with the United States and the European Union.

Analysts note that a full trade cutoff between the two allies would be difficult to implement and could trigger broader tensions between Washington and the European Union. Nonetheless, Trump’s remarks have highlighted growing divisions among Western allies over defense commitments and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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