Spain has pushed back strongly after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with the country. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded firmly, summarizing his position with a clear message: Spain will not support actions it believes violate international law. Tensions escalated following the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, launched after failed nuclear negotiations. The attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Casualty figures vary: Iran’s Red Crescent reports at least 555 deaths, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates the toll at around 742 people, including many civilians.
Sánchez has openly criticized the military action, calling it an “unjustified and dangerous intervention.” Spanish officials have also made clear that U.S. military bases in Spain will not be used for operations against Iran unless they comply with international law and existing agreements. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that the bases “are not being used—nor will they be used—for anything outside the agreements with the United States or the framework of the UN Charter.”
Defense Minister Margarita Robles echoed that position, emphasizing that any military activity must follow international legal standards. Trump reacted sharply to Spain’s stance, criticizing the NATO ally during remarks at the White House. He suggested he could halt trade with Spain, claiming the country’s leadership had been “unfriendly” and warning that the U.S. could stop business with Spain entirely.
Responding from his residence at La Moncloa, Sánchez defended Spain’s position. He said the country would not support actions it believes are harmful to global stability or against its values. “The question is whether we stand for peace and international law,” Sánchez said, summarizing Spain’s stance in four words: “No to war.”
Spain and the United States maintain strong economic ties, with billions of dollars in trade each year. Spanish officials stressed that any trade decisions must respect international agreements and European Union regulations.