Spain responded firmly after threats from President Donald Trump to cut off trade with the country, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez delivering a blunt message defending Spain’s position.

The dispute comes amid rising global tensions following military strikes against Iran carried out by the United States and Israel. The attacks reportedly began on February 28 after nuclear negotiations collapsed, and Iranian authorities say the strikes killed senior officials including Ali Khamenei.

Casualty estimates from the conflict vary. Iran’s Red Crescent reported that at least 555 people have died across the country since the attacks began. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has cited a higher figure, reporting at least 742 civilian deaths, including 176 children.

The strikes have drawn criticism from several international leaders, including Spain’s government. Sánchez described the military operation as an “unjustified and dangerous military intervention,” arguing that it violates international law and risks escalating instability in the region.

Spain rejects use of U.S. bases

Spain also made clear that American military facilities located in the country will not be used to support operations against Iran.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that the bases must operate strictly within existing agreements and international law.

“I want to be very clear and very plain. The bases are not being used—nor will they be used—for anything that is not in the agreement with the United States or that is not covered by the UN Charter.”

Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles echoed the same position, emphasizing that any military operations launched from Spanish territory must comply with international legal frameworks and have clear international backing.

Trump criticizes Spain

The Spanish government’s refusal to support the strikes angered President Trump, who criticized Spain and several European allies during remarks in the Oval Office.

Trump said Spain had been “terrible” and claimed he had instructed Treasury officials to halt dealings with the country.

“Spain has been terrible. I told Scott to cut off all dealings with Spain… they were unfriendly. Spain has absolutely nothing that we need—other than great people. They have great people, but they don’t have great leadership.”

Trump also suggested that he could suspend trade relations entirely.

“I could tomorrow—or today, even better—stop everything having to do with Spain, all business having to do with Spain.”

According to the president, such a move could be justified on national and economic security grounds.

Sánchez responds with a clear message

Speaking from the Spanish prime minister’s residence at La Moncloa, Sánchez rejected the pressure and defended Spain’s stance.

“We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and that is also contrary to our values and interests simply out of fear of reprisals from someone.”

He also criticized what he described as attempts by some leaders to use international conflict to deflect from domestic political problems.

“It’s unacceptable that some presidents use the fog of war to cover up their failures. The question is not whether we support the ayatollahs—nobody does. The question is whether we support peace and international legality.”

He summarized Spain’s position in a short phrase that quickly circulated in international media:

“No to war.”

Trade and NATO tensions

Trump has also criticized Spain for failing to meet higher defense spending targets within NATO, specifically a proposed benchmark of 5% of GDP that some allies are discussing.

However, European leaders have pointed out that Spain’s trade relations are tied to broader European Union agreements. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that any trade actions against Spain would involve the entire EU framework.

Economic ties between the two countries remain significant. Spain exported approximately $26 billion in goods to the United States in 2025, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, and olive oil, while importing roughly $21 billion from the U.S.

Spanish officials have stressed that any review of trade relations must respect international law, European Union rules, and the autonomy of private companies.

For now, the dispute highlights growing friction between Washington and some European allies over military policy, trade pressure, and the broader international response to the escalating conflict involving Iran.