Trump threatens to cut off trade with Spain amid base dispute

US President Donald Trump has threatened to suspend all trade with Spain after the Spanish government refused to allow American forces to use jointly operated military bases for operations related to Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump described Spain as “terrible” and “unfriendly,” adding, “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”

“I could stop everything tomorrow”

Trump claimed the United States has the legal authority to impose an embargo on Spanish imports. “I could tomorrow — or today, even better — stop everything having to do with Spain. All business having to do with Spain. I have the right to stop it,” he said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported the assertion that Washington could take such action. However, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stopped short of endorsing the plan outright, saying the matter would be discussed further.

The White House did not immediately provide details on how such trade restrictions would be implemented. Given that Spain is a member of the European Union’s single market, imposing targeted trade measures on one member state would present significant legal and logistical challenges.

Base dispute and NATO tensions

Madrid had announced it would not allow US forces to use the jointly operated Morón and Rota air bases for strikes related to Iran. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated that American troops stationed in Spain must operate within the framework of international law and that the bases would not support offensive operations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sharply criticized the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them an “unjustified and dangerous military intervention” that violates international law. His comments marked one of the strongest objections from a European Union leader.

Trump also expressed frustration with Spain’s resistance to increasing NATO defence spending to 5% of GDP, a benchmark he has repeatedly demanded from allies.

Trade volume and potential impact

According to US Census Bureau data, the United States exported roughly $26 billion worth of goods to Spain in 2025, while imports from Spain totalled around $21 billion. Spain’s top exports to the US include pharmaceutical products and olive oil.

It remains unclear whether Trump will follow through on the trade threat, but the remarks have significantly heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Madrid.

Strait of Hormuz and nuclear claims

Trump also claimed that Iran possessed enough enriched uranium at the start of the war to produce “11 bombs,” alleging it could have reached weapons-grade levels within a week to ten days.

He added that, if necessary, the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continued flow of global energy supplies. “No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world,” Trump said.

The administration maintains that the military campaign is aimed at eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while tensions across the region continue to escalate.