U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States would cut off all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow American forces to use its military bases for missions linked to strikes on Iran.
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Speaking during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump criticized Spain’s decision and said he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings” with the European country. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” he told reporters.
#BREAKING Trump says he ‘will cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain’ after Madrid denies permission for use of bases for Iran attacks pic.twitter.com/ptbJrI27IN
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) March 3, 2026
The dispute follows Spain’s refusal to permit the use of the Rota and Moron air bases in southern Spain for operations related to potential strikes on Iran. The U.S. subsequently relocated 15 aircraft, including refuelling tankers, from the facilities.
Trump also pointed to Spain’s resistance to U.S. calls for NATO members to raise defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product. He said he had the authority to impose embargoes and other restrictions if necessary. Bessent added that the administration would ask the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce to examine possible measures against Spain.
Although the Supreme Court of the United States recently limited Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for broad tariffs, the president said the ruling reaffirmed his authority to impose a trade embargo.
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Spain responded that any U.S. action must respect international law and trade agreements between Washington and the European Union. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Madrid would continue to support free trade while preparing measures to cushion any potential economic impact.