U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday to halt all trade with Spain after the country declined to allow American forces to use its military bases for operations linked to the escalating conflict with Iran. The remarks came during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off dealings with Spain, arguing that Madrid’s refusal to grant base access undermines U.S. military operations. He suggested the United States could proceed regardless, stating that no country would dictate whether American forces could use facilities. The president floated the possibility of broader trade restrictions or embargoes against Spain, a fellow NATO member.
The dispute follows reports that U.S. aircraft departed Spanish bases after Spanish authorities indicated the installations could not be used for strikes against Iran. Spain has publicly criticized the military campaign. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the attacks as unjustified and dangerous, warning they risk deepening instability in an already volatile region. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Spain supports democracy and human rights but would not permit its territory to be used for offensive operations against Iran.
The disagreement also intersects with wider NATO tensions over defence spending. Merz noted that alliance members are encouraging Spain to increase its military expenditures after NATO agreed to a new target of allocating 3.5 percent of gross domestic product to defence by 2035. Spain had opposed the benchmark before it was approved, with Sánchez calling the spending goal counterproductive.
The broader conflict began after coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian leadership and military infrastructure over the weekend. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed early in the campaign. Tehran has since launched retaliatory attacks against Israel and U.S. linked targets in the Gulf region, including military bases and diplomatic facilities. Several U.S. service members have been reported killed in the exchanges.
Trump has indicated the operation could continue for several weeks and has asserted that the United States has the capacity to sustain prolonged military engagement. As diplomatic divisions widen within NATO and the Middle East conflict spreads, the dispute with Spain adds another layer of geopolitical strain to an already escalating crisis.
