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Araweelo News Network [ Associated Online Agencies

 

Madrid (ANN)— Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has forcefully rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to sever trade ties with Spain, declaring his government’s firm opposition to military escalation and what he described as the “breakdown of international law.”
In a nationally televised address from La Moncloa, Sánchez responded to Trump’s remarks a day earlier in which the U.S. president criticized Spain and warned of a potential full trade embargo.
“Spain’s position can be summed up in three words: no to war,” Sánchez said during his 10-minute speech, referencing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and recalling the lessons of the 2003 Iraq War.
Trump’s Threat Over Military Bases
The diplomatic clash follows Spain’s refusal to authorize the United States to use the jointly operated air bases at Morón and Rota for operations linked to strikes on Iran.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump reportedly said he did not want “anything to do” with Spain and accused the country of being “terrible,” signaling possible economic retaliation.
Spain hosts key U.S. military installations under longstanding bilateral defense agreements, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base, which play strategic roles in NATO operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
A Broader Diplomatic Rift
Sánchez emphasized that Spain supports international law and multilateral diplomacy, warning that unilateral military actions risk further destabilizing already volatile regions.
The dispute marks a significant strain in transatlantic relations, particularly within NATO, where Spain has traditionally aligned with collective security decisions while maintaining an independent foreign policy stance.
Analysts say a full trade embargo would represent an extraordinary escalation between two NATO allies and could have serious economic consequences on both sides of the Atlantic.
As of now, Washington has not issued formal documentation confirming trade sanctions, and diplomatic channels remain open.