U. S. President Donald Trump announced plans to sever all trade with Spain after the country declined to allow the U. S. military to use its bases for missions related to strikes on Iran. During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump criticized Spain as “terrible” and instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end all dealings with the country.
His remarks followed the relocation of 15 U. S. aircraft from two military bases in Spain after the Spanish government stated that the use of these bases for offensive actions against Iran was not permitted under their agreement with the U. S. or the United Nations Charter.
Relations between Spain and the U. S. have been tense due to various issues, including migration policies and Spain’s reluctance to raise its defense spending to 5% of its GDP, unlike other European nations. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has previously blocked U. S. military actions, refused to allow arms shipments to Israel, and criticized American political leaders in public statements about migration.
With information from Reuters
