Spain’s Prime Minister has responded to Donald Trump’s threat to cut off trade after Spain criticized recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The military operation began on February 28 after negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program failed to reach an agreement. The strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other senior officials. Reports also indicated civilian casualties, including an attack that hit a school. Since the conflict began, tensions have grown between Washington and Madrid.

Speaking at the White House, Trump criticized Spain’s position and suggested ending trade ties with the country. “Spain has been terrible,” Trump said, adding that he had told officials to consider cutting off dealings with Spain. The dispute also appears linked to defense spending within NATO. Trump has urged NATO members to raise defense spending to five percent of their GDP — a level no member currently meets.

Spain has resisted increasing its spending to that level and has also opposed allowing U.S. forces to use Spanish bases for strikes related to the conflict. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez strongly rejected Trump’s criticism and defended Spain’s position. Speaking from the official residence in La Moncloa, Sánchez said Spain would not support actions it believes violate international principles.

“We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world and contrary to our values simply out of fear of reprisals,” he said. Sánchez summarized Spain’s stance in four words: “No a la guerra,” meaning “No to war.” Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares also confirmed that U.S. military bases in Spain would not be used for operations outside existing agreements or international legal frameworks. As the conflict continues, the exchange highlights growing disagreements among allies over military action and international law.