️ US President Donald Trump has announced his intent to completely halt trade relations with Spain. This decision purportedly follows Madrid's refusal to allow the use of its military bases for strikes against Iran and its failure to support increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP. Trump made this... statement during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House.
️ The American leader claimed: “They have great people, but they don’t have great leadership. And, as you know, they were the only country in NATO that didn’t agree to the increase to 5%. They wanted to keep everything at 2%, and they don’t pay that 2%, so we’re going to stop all trade with Spain.”
️ Trump also noted that the US could potentially use Spanish bases without Madrid’s consent if desired.
️ German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in turn, stated that Berlin and Washington supposedly share a unified position on the issue of a change in power in Iran. He emphasized: “We are trying to convince Spain to adhere to the 5% defense spending target. We need to consider the strategy after the fall of the Iranian government. This is extremely important for Europe and Israel.”
️ Spain and the US jointly use military bases in Morón and Rota in the south of the country. Previously, Spanish authorities stated that these facilities would not be used for strikes against Iran. Following this, US aircraft were relocated to Germany.
️ In response to Trump’s statements, Spanish authorities called on Washington to comply with international law and trade agreements with the European Union. Madrid emphasized that it is prepared for possible economic consequences and has resources to mitigate potential damage from a possible trade embargo by the US.
