A sharp diplomatic clash has erupted between Spain and the United States after Madrid refused to allow American forces to use Spanish military bases for operations linked to the escalating conflict involving Iran. The disagreement intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened economic retaliation against Spain for its stance.
Spanish officials have openly condemned the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, describing them as dangerous and unlawful. In response to the military campaign, Spain declined requests for U.S. aircraft to operate from shared naval and air bases located in southern Spain.
Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero delivered one of the strongest responses from the Spanish government, rejecting the idea that Madrid should bow to pressure from Washington. “We are certainly not going to be anybody’s vassals, we won’t tolerate any threats and we’ll defend our values,” she told reporters.
President Trump reacted by suggesting the United States could halt trade with Spain entirely. Speaking during a White House briefing, he criticized Spain’s leadership and argued that the country had been uncooperative with U.S. military planning.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reinforced Spain’s anti war position in a televised statement, warning that the growing confrontation could lead to serious global consequences. “We’re not going to be complicit in something that’s bad for the world, nor contrary to our values and interests,” Sánchez said. He also pointed to lessons from previous Middle East conflicts, saying similar wars in the past triggered instability, rising extremism, and economic disruption.
The dispute has drawn attention across Europe, where several leaders have expressed support for Spain. European Union officials stressed that trade relations involving EU members must be handled collectively and warned that economic pressure on one member state could affect the entire bloc.
Meanwhile, industries in Spain that export heavily to the United States, including olive oil producers and pharmaceutical companies, are closely monitoring the situation as tensions between the longtime allies continue to escalate.