A confrontation over strikes on Iran has put US-Spain relations under strain after US President Donald Trump, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, launched a public rebuke of Spain. Trump told reporters “Spain has been terrible” and threatened to “cut off all trade” with the country, reflecting anger at Madrid’s firm opposition to strikes on Iran — a position Spain has stated more forcefully than many other European states.
Chancellor Merz described US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran as a legal “dilemma,” while Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attacks as a grave breach of international law. In a decisive move, Sánchez’s government blocked US use of two jointly operated military bases in Andalusia, southern Spain, for operations tied to Iran. Sánchez later posted a video restating his anti-war stance: “we say no to the violation of international law, which protects us all, especially civilians,” and warned that reckless action amounts to playing “Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people.”
The Spanish government’s position appears to have public backing. Gladys Gbegnedji, a project manager in Madrid, told DW that the government was consistent in refusing to submit to US pressure. Francisco Huesa, a teacher from Seville, said he did not fear fallout from the diplomatic dispute and questioned how democratic European countries could support attacks he regards as violating international law. Huesa also expressed disappointment with Germany, noting that Merz did not defend Spain during the White House meeting and instead suggested Spain might be persuaded to boost NATO spending. After the meeting, Merz said the EU would step in if the US imposed punitive measures on Spain.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticized Merz, contrasting his comments with the “pro-European spirit” Albares associated with former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz.
Political scientist Rafael Calduch Cervera warned the Iran conflict could deepen divisions within the EU, but he also accused Sánchez of using strong rhetoric for domestic audiences and to placate left-wing coalition partners. Cervera said the prime minister’s language has placed Spain in an awkward international position. He does not expect US-Spain economic ties to be severed, noting that trade policy is largely handled at the EU level and that any US punitive actions would likely prompt European countermeasures. In his view, Trump’s threats are a “serious warning” but unlikely to cause a lasting breakdown in relations.
This article was translated from German.