Spain Pushes Back Against Trump’s Threat to Cut Trade Ties

(MENAFN) Spain pushed back Tuesday against US President Donald Trump's threat to sever trade ties with Madrid, insisting that any renegotiation of commercial relations must operate within the bounds of international law and existing agreements.

The Spanish government made clear that should Washington seek to overhaul bilateral trade, it "must do so while respecting the autonomy of private companies, international law, and the bilateral agreements between the European Union and the United States," according to a public broadcaster, which cited an official statement.

The dispute was ignited after Trump branded Spain a "terrible" ally, lambasting Madrid for what he characterized as inadequate cooperation over US military installations amid a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

Madrid flatly rejected those accusations, countering that Spain is "a key member of NATO" that honors its commitments and contributes meaningfully to the defense of European territory.

The government also highlighted Spain's standing as one of the EU's foremost export powers — a dependable commercial partner to 195 nations, including the United States — describing the two countries' trade relationship as "historic and mutually beneficial."

Officials further indicated the country possesses sufficient tools to cushion any economic fallout, bolster industries under pressure, and pivot supply chains should circumstances demand it.

Reaffirming its broader foreign policy stance, the government declared that its position "is and will always be to work for free trade and economic cooperation between countries," anchored in "mutual respect" and "compliance with international law."

The diplomatic friction unfolds against a volatile regional backdrop. US and Israeli forces launched a sweeping offensive Saturday against Iran, leaving nearly 800 people dead — among them Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has since responded with waves of drone and missile strikes directed at Israel and Gulf states hosting American military assets.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed that the alliance bears no involvement in the ongoing hostilities, while the Spanish government confirmed Monday that its military bases have not been — and are not scheduled to be — used to conduct strikes against Iran.

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