Spain Defies US, Risks Trade War Over Stance on Iran Strikes
MADRID – In a rare display of transatlantic defiance, Spain is standing firm against pressure from the United States over its criticism of recent US-Israeli strikes in Iran and its refusal to allow American forces to use Spanish bases for military operations. The escalating feud has prompted a threat from former US President Donald Trump to cut off all trade with the country.
For days following the start of the strikes, Spain was a lone voice within the European Union questioning the legality of the operation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez went further, explicitly rejecting any involvement in the military action. “No to the war,” Sánchez declared in a national address Tuesday, framing his position not as support for Iran’s government, but as a plea for all parties to halt fighting.
Trump responded swiftly, announcing his intention to sever trade ties with Spain during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” Trump said, according to the Associated Press.
The Spanish stance stems from a deep-seated skepticism about repeating past interventions in the Middle East. Sánchez referenced the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, warning that such actions can trigger widespread instability. He also cautioned that the current conflict risks “playing Russian roulette” with millions of lives.
The dispute has exposed divisions within Europe. While France’s President Emmanuel Macron echoed Spain’s concerns about the legality of the strikes, stating they were conducted “outside of international law,” Germany’s response has been more muted. Chancellor Merz, while addressing the issue with Trump privately, did not publicly defend Spain and indicated ongoing negotiations with Madrid regarding NATO contributions – a long-standing point of contention with the US.
Spain’s Vice President Teresa Ribera has denounced Trump’s threats as detrimental to global stability.
The situation has sparked criticism of Merz within Spain, with some officials questioning his commitment to European solidarity. “I cannot imagine Chancellor [Angela] Merkel or [Olaf] Scholz making such remarks,” Spain’s foreign minister reportedly said.
The escalating tensions come as Iran reportedly nears the selection of a new leader. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation is high.
