Trump threatens trade action against Spain, criticizes UK over Iran crisis

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to sever all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow American planes to use its military bases for operations against Iran, while also criticizing United Kingdom for not fully cooperating.

Speaking at the White House during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump described Spain as “terrible” for limiting the use of its Rota naval base and Moron air base to activities consistent with the United Nations Charter. He said he had directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain” and claimed he had the authority to halt all trade, despite legal uncertainties surrounding such unilateral action.

The Spanish government responded by stressing the importance of maintaining a “mutually beneficial” trade relationship while respecting international law and bilateral agreements. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for dialogue to end hostilities with Iran and criticized the prospect of military escalation.

Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with the UK, stating he was “not happy” with Prime Minister Keir Starmer over restrictions on US use of UK bases, including those in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia. Starmer limited US operations to “specific and limited defensive purposes” and denied access to bases in Cyprus, one of which was recently struck by an Iranian-made drone.

The comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following military exchanges involving Iran, the US, and Israel, with Trump openly criticizing allied nations for what he perceives as insufficient support for US operations.