Dalena Reporters l Tuesday, March 3, 2026
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after the European country refused to allow American forces to use its military bases for operations connected to the escalating U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran.
Speaking during a meeting at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump criticized Spain for declining a request to allow the use of joint U.S.–Spanish bases at Rota and Morón in southern Spain for military strikes linked to the campaign against Iran.
“We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain,” Trump reportedly said, arguing that the country had not supported the U.S. position in the conflict and had also failed to meet NATO defence spending expectations.
Why Spain Refused the Base Request
Spain’s government said the military facilities could not be used for attacks on Iran because such operations were not authorized by the United Nations and lacked a clear legal mandate. Spanish officials also emphasized that the bases were not involved in the initial strikes that began the conflict.
Madrid also defended its defence policy, pointing out that its military commitments within NATO remain consistent with international agreements and its national budget priorities.
Trade Threat Raises Legal Questions
Experts note that fully cutting off trade with Spain could be difficult because Spain is part of the European Union, which negotiates trade agreements collectively with the United States. Any unilateral embargo could therefore conflict with existing EU–U.S. trade frameworks and international trade law.
Growing Tensions Among Allies
The dispute highlights growing divisions among Western allies over how to respond to the war involving Iran. Some European leaders have urged caution and called for diplomatic solutions, while the United States has taken a more aggressive military approach.
Analysts say the conflict is now beginning to strain political and economic relations between the U.S. and some of its NATO partners, adding a new dimension to an already volatile geopolitical crisis.