President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on allied nations over their positions on the conflict with Iran, justifying U.S. military action while threatening severe economic measures against countries that disagree.
During a White House meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday, Trump defended his order to attack Iran, claiming his actions prevented nuclear war, according to the South China Morning Post.
"We will stop all trade with Spain," Trump said. "We don't want to do anything with Spain."
The president said he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all dealings with Spain, asserting he has authority to impose an embargo on all Spanish goods. Bessent, who was present at the meeting, said he would direct the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department to review sanctions against Spain.
"Spain is terrible," Trump said, citing Madrid's refusal to allow U.S. use of Spanish military bases for the Iran strikes and its failure to meet NATO's commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
The Spanish government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blocked the use of the Rota naval base in Cádiz and Morón air base in Seville for attacks on Iran, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory strikes. These bases have served as symbols of Spain's Atlantic alliance relationship.
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said on Friday that the agreement with the U.S. for base access permits only operations within the framework of international law. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares added: "We will not lend our bases for anything not covered by the agreement or inconsistent with the UN Charter."
The Spanish government immediately issued a statement rebutting Trump's criticism, saying the U.S. should respect the autonomy of private enterprises, international law, and U.S.-EU trade agreements.
Spain is the world's largest olive oil exporter and also ships auto parts, steel, and chemicals to the U.S. However, it is considered less vulnerable to Trump's threats compared to other European nations. According to U.S. data, America has recorded trade surpluses with Spain for four consecutive years through last year.
Britain also drew Trump's criticism for what he described as a lukewarm attitude toward supporting Diego Garcia island.
"Spain was very uncooperative, and Britain was likewise very uncooperative on that stupid island," Trump said. "Their energy and immigration problems are terrible."
The European Commission responded: "The EU's position has not changed. We will ensure our interests are always fully protected."