Trump threatens to cut off trade with Spain and criticizes Britain over Iran
In a striking development reflecting the depth of disagreements between Washington and its European allies regarding how to deal with the Iranian issue, US President Donald Trump to take harsh punitive measures against Spain, going so far as to threaten to cut off trade relations completely, while simultaneously directing scathing criticism at the British government and its Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Threats to cut off trade with Madrid
The US president explicitly announced his intention to halt all trade with Spain, instructing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever all ties. This American anger stems from the Spanish government's refusal to allow US military aircraft to use bases on its territory (such as the strategic Rota and Morón air bases) to launch attacks against Iran.
Trump described the Spanish position as "terrible," asserting in a press conference during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he had the right to immediately halt all trade with Madrid. Observers link this escalation to Sánchez's refusal to meet Trump's demands to increase NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP, a figure far exceeding the current target of 2%.
The Spanish response: Sovereignty and international law first
The Spanish government was quick to respond, reaffirming its position of refusing to become involved in an unjustified military conflict. Madrid stressed that the use of joint military bases should be limited to activities consistent with the UN Charter, and not for launching offensive wars.
The Spanish government clarified that trade relations with the United States are "mutually beneficial," warning that any review of these relations must respect the independence of companies and international law. Sánchez also sought to reassure the Spanish public, emphasizing his country's ability to diversify its supply chains and mitigate any potential economic impacts, while simultaneously calling for dialogue to end the trade war rather than escalate it.
Cooling in the "special relationship" with Britain
Even the United Kingdom, a traditional US ally, was not spared Trump's criticism. The American president expressed his displeasure with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer , saying, "This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with," a clear indication of his dissatisfaction with the level of British support.
Although London has allowed US aircraft to use air bases in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for specific defensive purposes, it has refused to allow the use of its bases in Cyprus to launch direct attacks on Iran, especially after one of those bases was targeted by an Iranian drone.
The Diego Garcia and NATO crisis
Trump also touched on the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia base, criticizing the Starmer government's agreement to return sovereignty over the islands to Mauritius, describing the island as "stupid" and complaining about logistical difficulties faced by US forces there.
This complex scenario reveals a rift in the Western front, with the United States under the Trump administration seeking to rally unequivocal military support for its policies toward Tehran, while the major European powers tend to be cautious, fearing being drawn into a large-scale regional war that could have disastrous consequences for global security and the economy.
