Trump threatens to halt all trade with Spain over the US-Iran war
Spain responds to Trump’s threat to cut off all trade
- Donald Trump threatened to impose a full US trade embargo on Spain, saying the country "has been terrible" during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- The threat was prompted by Spain's refusal to allow the US military to use its bases for missions linked to strikes on Iran, alongside its low defence spending as a NATO member.
- Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut off all dealings" with Spain, though legal experts questioned the president's authority to declare a national emergency for such an embargo.
- German Chancellor Merz said that Spain, as an EU member, cannot be singled out for trade negotiations, as the bloc negotiates collectively with the US.
- The Spanish government responded by emphasising the autonomy of private businesses, international law, and bilateral trade agreements, while affirming its capacity to mitigate the impact of any potential embargo.
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