Brussels (TDI): The European Union has voiced strong support for Spain after US President Donald Trump threatened to suspend trade ties over Madrid’s refusal to back Washington’s military actions against Iran.
European Council President Antonio Costa said he had spoken directly with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to reaffirm the EU’s backing. He stressed that the bloc would stand firmly behind all member states and ensure their interests are protected.
Trump sharply criticized Spain earlier this week, accusing its government of undermining US efforts by denying access to key military bases at Rota and Moron and by declining to commit to higher NATO defense spending. He declared that the United States would cut off trade relations with Spain, saying Washington wanted “nothing to do” with the country.
In response, the European Commission signaled it was prepared to defend EU interests if necessary. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill pointed out that the EU and the US finalized a significant trade agreement last year and said Brussels expects Washington to honor its commitments. He added that maintaining stable and predictable transatlantic trade ties is crucial, especially during a period of global uncertainty.
Tensions between Madrid and Washington have also been fueled by Spain’s firm opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its criticism of other US-aligned actions abroad.
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Meanwhile, a senior US Treasury official argued in a television interview that any move hindering America’s military engagement could endanger US personnel, suggesting Spain’s stance could put American lives at risk.
France has also stepped in to support Spain. President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Sanchez to express solidarity and reject what Paris described as economic pressure targeting Madrid.
Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Maria Jesus Montero made it clear that her country would not bow to external threats. She said Spain would defend its principles and would not act as a subordinate to any nation.
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In a televised address, Sanchez reaffirmed Spain’s anti-war position, warning that the escalating conflict could spiral into a wider global crisis. He insisted Spain would not compromise its values simply to avoid retaliation. Criticizing leaders who, in his words, exploit wartime uncertainty to mask domestic shortcomings, Sanchez warned that history has shown how quickly such conflicts can lead to large-scale disasters.
He compared the potential fallout of the current situation with the far-reaching consequences of the Iraq war, cautioning that the repercussions of strikes on Iran could be equally unpredictable.
