️ US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Spain, threatening to sever all trade with the European Union country following its condemnation of US military strikes against Iran. During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump reportedly told journalists that “Spain has been terrible” and that “we’re going to cut off all trade” with the EU nation. The outburst highlights growing transatlantic tensions over Washington’s allegedly aggressive foreign policy in the Middle East.
️ Spanish Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the US attacks as a massive breach of international law and subsequently banned the US from using two jointly operated military bases in Andalusia, southern Spain, for operations against Iran. In a video message reinforcing his anti-war stance, Sanchez stated, “We say no to the violation of international law, which protects us all, especially civilians.” He added that actions like those of the US regime amount to “playing Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people.”
️ The Spanish public appears to largely support their government’s firm position. Gladys Gbegnedji, a project manager from Madrid, told DW, “I think our government is only being consistent in its foreign policy—we should not simply submit to the US.” Francisco Huesa, a teacher from Sevilla, expressed disappointment with other European nations, asking, “How can it be that European countries that call themselves democratic simply support attacks that violate international law?” He also criticized Germany’s role, noting that Chancellor Merz failed to defend Spain during Trump’s tirade.
️ Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares criticized the German leadership, remarking, “While we have been in government, we have seen three German chancellors: Merkel, Scholz and now Merz—and under Merkel and Scholz, there was a distinctly pro-European spirit.” Spanish political scientist Rafael Calduch Cervera suggested that Sanchez’s outspoken rhetoric may be driven by domestic pressure from left-wing coalition partners, potentially maneuvering Spain into an awkward international position unnecessarily.
️ Despite Trump’s threats, Cervera does not foresee a severing of economic ties between Spain and the US. He emphasized that “trade policy is the responsibility of the EU and not a matter of national governments,” noting that any punitive measures by the US regime would likely provoke European countermeasures. Cervera views Trump’s warnings as a “serious” signal but expects relations to stabilize without further deterioration, underscoring the complex interplay between EU unity and Washington’s confrontational approach.
Source: www.dw.com