Trump orders US to cut all trade with Spain after Madrid blocks use of bases for Iran strikes
Mar 3rd 2026
President Donald Trump said he ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all US trade with Spain after Madrid refused to permit use of its Rota and Moron bases for missions tied to strikes on Iran, prompting the relocation of US aircraft.
- On March 3, 2026 President Donald Trump said he told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut off all trade and dealings with Spain.
- The US relocated 15 aircraft, including refueling tankers, from the Rota and Moron bases in southern Spain.
- Spain refused to allow its bases to be used for missions linked to strikes on Iran, saying such operations are not covered by its agreement with the United States and are not consistent with the United Nations Charter.
- Trump made the announcement while meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- Bilateral ties had already been strained over migration, Spain's refusal to raise defence spending to 5 percent of GDP, disputes over weapons shipments to Israel, and planned legal action against social media platform owners.