When US President Donald Trump received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, he launched a blistering attack on Spain, telling reporters “Spain has been terrible” and threatening to “cut off all trade” with the country. The row stems from Spain’s firm opposition to strikes on Iran, a stance Madrid has voiced more insistently than other European states.
While Merz called US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran a legal “dilemma,” Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attacks as a grave breach of international law. His government barred the US from using two jointly operated military bases in Andalusia, southern Spain, for operations against Iran. Sánchez later posted a video reaffirming his anti-war position, saying, “we say no to the violation of international law, which protects us all, especially civilians,” and warning that those who act recklessly are playing “Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people.”
Sánchez’s stance appears to resonate with many Spaniards. Gladys Gbegnedji, a project manager in Madrid, told DW that the government is being consistent in refusing to submit to the US. Francisco Huesa, a teacher from Seville, said he does not fear any fallout from the diplomatic dispute and asked how democratic European countries can support attacks that violate international law. He also expressed disappointment with Germany’s role, noting that Chancellor Merz did not defend Spain during the White House meeting; instead, Merz suggested Spain could be persuaded to increase NATO funding. After the meeting, Merz said the EU would respond if the US took punitive measures against Spain.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares criticized Merz, contrasting his stance with the “pro-European spirit” he saw under previous German chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz.
Political scientist Rafael Calduch Cervera warned that the Iran war risks deepening divisions within the EU but also criticized Sánchez for rhetoric aimed at domestic audiences and at satisfying left-wing coalition partners. Cervera said Sánchez’s strong language has put Spain in an awkward international position. He does not expect US-Spain economic ties to be severed, noting that trade policy is handled by the EU rather than individual governments. Any US punitive actions would likely trigger European countermeasures, he added, so Trump’s threats are a “serious warning” but unlikely to cause a lasting breakdown in relations.
This article was translated from German.