The Digester

Trump vows to cut trade with Spain after Madrid blocks US use of bases for Iran attack

Mar 4th 2026

After Spain blocked use of jointly run bases for a US-Israeli attack on Iran, President Trump said he would cut off all trade with Spain and ordered the removal of 15 aircraft from Rota and Moron.

  • Spain called the US-Israeli attack on Iran "an unjustified and dangerous military intervention" and refused to allow use of its bases at Rota and Moron.
  • Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the planned operation was not covered by the US-Spain bases agreement or the UN Charter.
  • President Trump said at the White House he would cut off all trade with Spain and added "We don't want anything to do with Spain."
  • The US relocated 15 aircraft, including refueling tankers, from the Rota and Moron bases in southern Spain.
  • Trump criticized the UK for not immediately allowing US base access and praised Germany after meeting Chancellor Friedrich Merz.