Trump Threatens Trade Cut-Off With Spain Over Military Base Dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to halt all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow the United States to use joint military bases on its territory for potential operations against Iran.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump accused Spain of failing to cooperate with NATO and warned that Washington could take strong economic measures in response. The development was reported by Anadolu Agency.

“I think Spain is not cooperating at all. They are behaving very badly, which is not good,” Trump said. “We can stop trading with them at any time.”

Trump also criticized Madrid for what he described as poor cooperation with NATO and said the country is unwilling to contribute its fair share to the alliance.

Referring to long-standing concerns about Spain’s defense spending, Trump said the country continues to benefit from NATO’s security umbrella while lagging behind in financial commitments.

The remarks come amid rising tensions between Washington and Madrid over the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has rejected the military operation, calling it reckless and illegal. Madrid has also refused to authorize the use of joint military bases in southern Spain for operations targeting Tehran.

Trump further criticized Spain for failing to meet NATO’s new defense spending target of allocating 5 percent of its GDP to defense, warning that the United States could impose comprehensive trade sanctions if the situation does not change.

However, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Tuesday that relations with Washington remain normal and that diplomatic contacts between the two countries continue through their respective embassies.