US President Donald Trump harshly criticized Spain, threatening to cut off all trade with the European country. This verbal assault came after Spain strongly condemned US military strikes on Iran. Trump, addressing reporters during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, allegedly stated that "Spain has been terrible" and that "we're going to cut off all trade" with the EU member state.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez labeled the US strikes on Iran as a massive breach of international law and reinforced this stance by releasing a video message. His government also banned the US from using two jointly operated military bases in Andalusia, southern Spain, to wage war against Iran. Sanchez in his message emphasized, "We say no to the violation of international law, which protects us all, especially civilians," comparing US actions to "playing Russian roulette with the fate of millions of people."

Surveys among Spaniards indicate that Sanchez's firm position is supported by many. Madrid-based project manager Gladys Gbegnedji remarked, "I think our government is only being consistent in its foreign policy — we should not simply submit to the US." Teacher from Sevilla Francisco Huesa also backs the government, questioning, "How can it be that European countries that call themselves democratic simply support attacks that violate international law?" He further expressed great disappointment with Germany's role in the current conflict.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares criticized German Chancellor Merz, noting that under Merkel and Scholz there was a "distinctly pro-European spirit," but Merz failed to defend Spain during the meeting with Trump. Spanish political scientist Rafael Calduch Cervera expressed concern that the Iran war is deepening divisions within the European Union, but also criticized Prime Minister Sanchez's rhetoric. He suggests this rhetoric is primarily aimed at the Spanish populace under domestic political pressure, yet has unnecessarily positioned Spain awkwardly on the global stage.

Cervera does not foresee a severing of economic ties between Spain and the US, despite Trump's threats. He highlighted that "trade policy is the responsibility of the EU and not a matter of national governments," and any punitive measures could provoke European countermeasures, which the US regime supposedly knows well. Therefore, he views Trump's threats against Spain as a "serious warning," but does not expect relations to deteriorate further.

Source: www.dw.com