TLDR

  • Trump directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to review all commercial relations with Spain following Madrid’s decision to prohibit U.S. aircraft from conducting Iran strike operations from Spanish bases
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized the U.S.-Israel military operations as “unjustified and dangerous” while affirming Spain’s refusal to participate
  • Sánchez delivered a national address warning the escalating conflict resembles “Russian roulette with the destiny of millions”
  • The controversy has created significant tension between the two NATO member nations amid ongoing military operations
  • Spain previously opposed NATO defense spending increases to 3.5% of GDP

President Trump announced potential trade restrictions against Spain on Tuesday following Madrid’s decision to prohibit U.S. military aircraft from utilizing Spanish bases for operations targeting Iran.

During remarks at the White House, the president revealed he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain.” Trump emphasized his authority to “stop everything having to do with Spain” immediately if necessary.

The president delivered these statements during a White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

American military aircraft departed Spanish installations on Monday after Spanish authorities declared the facilities off-limits for offensive military actions against Iran.

Trump criticized Spain’s leadership quality, citing both the nation’s reluctance to increase NATO defense expenditures and its stance regarding the Iran military campaign.

Madrid previously declined a NATO initiative to elevate defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized this benchmark as “unreasonable and counterproductive.”

Chancellor Merz indicated NATO continues efforts to “convince Spain” to align its defense budget with the alliance’s new collective objective.

Spain Responds to U.S. Pressure

Sánchez delivered a nationally televised address on Wednesday, reaffirming Spain’s opposition to the military strikes.

“This is how humanity’s great disasters start,” Sánchez warned. “You cannot play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”

The Spanish leader summarized his country’s position in four words: “No to the war.” He emphasized this stance reflects Spain’s fundamental values rather than temporary political positioning.

“We’re going to be complicit in something that’s bad for the world nor contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid reprisals from someone,” he declared, directly addressing Trump’s trade warnings.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed that Spain would maintain its prohibition on base usage for Iran operations, while simultaneously expressing support for democracy and human rights for Iranian citizens.

Military Operations Continue

U.S. and Israeli forces commenced strikes against Iranian targets on Saturday. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during the initial phase of operations.

Trump indicated the military campaign could extend “four to five weeks,” while noting American forces possess the capacity to sustain operations considerably longer.

Tehran has launched counterattacks targeting Israel, U.S. military installations, diplomatic facilities, and strategic locations across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Six U.S. service members were killed when an Iranian strike destroyed a temporary command facility in Kuwait.

Trump stated Tuesday he assessed that Iran was preparing to “attack first,” describing his military action as preemptive.