EU Council chief voices solidarity with Spain after US trade threat over Iran stance
Mar 4th 2026
European Council President Antonio Costa told Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez the EU stands with Madrid after US President Donald Trump threatened trade sanctions over Spain's refusal to allow US use of its bases for strikes on Iran.
- European Council President Antonio Costa said on X he had called Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to express the EU's full solidarity with Spain.
- Sanchez rejected the United States and Israel's unilateral military action against Iran and refused US requests to use Spanish bases for attacks.
- President Donald Trump responded by threatening to cut off trade with Spain and calling it a terrible ally.
- Costa said the EU will protect member states' interests and reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to international law and the rules-based order.
- Israel and the US said they launched a joint operation against Iran, and Iran replied with drone and missile strikes that affected Israel and US-linked sites in several Gulf states.