US President Donald Trump has threatened to completely sever trade ties with Spain following Madrid's decision to prohibit the use of US military bases on its territory for operations against Iran.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing foreign media outlets, that the move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic and economic tensions between Washington and Madrid.
US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Spain's stance, characterizing the country's actions as unacceptable.
"We want nothing to do with them. I could end everything with Spain tomorrow, or even today,"the President stated, emphasizing his readiness to implement drastic economic measures.
US President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have insisted that the United States maintains the legal authority to ban imports from Spain. Furthermore, the President criticized the Spanish government for failing to meet defense spending targets, noting that unlike several other European nations, Madrid has refused to increase its defense budget to 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In response, the Spanish government issued a statement asserting that if the US administration intends to reconsider bilateral trade relations, it must respect the autonomy of private companies, international law, and existing agreements between the European Union and the United States.
This development comes amid a broader shift in US foreign policy under the Trump administration, which has consistently pressured NATO allies to increase military spending and align more closely with Washington's strategic objectives in the Middle East. Spain hosts several key strategic sites, including the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base, which have historically served as vital hubs for US military logistics and operations in the region. The current friction raises questions about the future of the Agreement on Defense Cooperation between the two nations.
