Trump decides to cut trade relations with Spain for refusing to cooperate with bombing Iran
US President Donald Trump revealed a surprise decision to cut trade relations with Spain entirely, against the backdrop of Madrid’s refusal to use its military bases to carry out strikes linked to Iran.
During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump told reporters that “Spain’s position is very bad,” noting that he had tasked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent with freezing all agreements with the Spanish side, and categorizing that Washington will no longer do business with Madrid.
In a related context, Trump reiterated criticism of the British position, expressing regret that the relationship with London is no longer the same, especially after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reluctance to support military strikes against Iran.
Trump said his country “doesn’t need Britain to fight a war in the Middle East,” praising France’s stance, which he described as “wonderful,” and adding that Britain was “the least cooperative”.
With Germany, Trump praised Berlin’s role in supporting military operations against Iran, especially by allowing US forces to use specific bases.
Trump made it clear that Washington is not asking for German soldiers, but appreciates the logistical facilities provided.
For his part, Merz confirmed the consensus of the vision with Trump on the need to get rid of the Iranian regime, noting that they will discuss the repercussions after military operations, in addition to the file of the war in Ukraine.
Although Merz declined to comment on the recent strikes carried out by the United States, observers believe that his position may be fraught with domestic political risks, given the sensitivity of German public opinion to involvement in foreign conflicts without a clear international mandate.
