Experts note that implementing a full trade cutoff with an EU member state would face significant legal and practical hurdles, as U.S.-EU trade is governed by broader agreements

DNA

MADRID:  In a heated Oval Office meeting on March 3, 2026, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain, calling it a “terrible” and “very uncooperative” ally. The outburst stemmed from Spain’s refusal to permit U.S. forces to use jointly operated military bases—such as those at Rota and Morón—for operations related to ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.

Trump declared: “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.” He directly instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with the country, framing the decision as a response to Spain’s stance on the Iran conflict and its failure to meet higher NATO defense spending targets (Trump has pushed for levels beyond the standard 2% of GDP, even suggesting 5%).

The comments were made during a press interaction in the Oval Office alongside Merz, where Trump praised Germany and NATO leadership but lambasted Spain and also took shots at the UK for similar “uncooperative” behavior.

Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has condemned the strikes on Iran as “unjustified” and “dangerous,” emphasizing adherence to international law. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reiterated that the bases, while jointly used, remain under Spanish sovereignty and would not be authorized for such actions. Madrid has responded by stressing that trade relations fall under EU competence and must respect bilateral agreements and international law, pushing back against unilateral U.S. threats.

Experts note that implementing a full trade cutoff with an EU member state would face significant legal and practical hurdles, as U.S.-EU trade is governed by broader agreements. The U.S. has reportedly relocated some aircraft from Spanish bases amid the tensions. This escalation highlights strains within NATO amid the Iran conflict, with Trump linking military support to trade and defense spending commitments.