04.03.2026 10:10
The Spanish government, which does not allow the US to use its bases, criticized President Trump, who said he would cut commercial relations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy Yolanda Diaz stated, "Spain will not accept blackmail or attempts to teach a lesson from an aggressive country."
Members of the coalition government in Spain criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that he had instructed to cut commercial ties. The Deputy Prime Minister from the Sumar coalition, Minister of Labor and Social Economy Yolanda Diaz, shared on her social media account, "Spain will not accept blackmail or attempts to teach lessons from an aggressive country. We are a peaceful country. If the United States wants an ally, it must first respect our sovereignty and international law."
Ernest Urtasun, the Minister of Culture and a member of the Sumar coalition, stated in a video he published on social media that President Trump's remarks towards the Spanish government contained "bullying and that his threats would have little effect." Urtasun emphasized that his country would exercise its sovereignty in defense and security matters, stand by international law, the United Nations, peace, and human rights, which means "not participating in illegal attacks against Iran."
"LET'S SEE WHO THE PATRIOTS ARE NOW"
Another Sumar member, Minister of Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy, targeted the right-wing and far-right parties in the opposition that made supportive statements for Trump in his post. Bustinduy shared the first article of the Spanish Constitution, which states that sovereignty resides with the people and that state powers derive from the people, saying, "Let's see who the patriots are now? What a strange world. Those who shout the loudest in the name of the homeland are using our sovereignty as a bargaining chip."
SPANISH BUSINESS PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Employers' Organizations of Spain (CEOE), the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Spain (CEPYME), and the National Federation of Self-Employed Workers (ATA) expressed their "deep concern" about the possibility of the U.S. disrupting commercial relations with Spain in a joint statement. The statement emphasized, "We want to highlight that the United States is a friendly country and a key partner economically and politically, and we believe that our commercial relations will ultimately not be affected in any way. It is more necessary than ever to work with the European Union when making transition decisions and establishing a position. We hope the government can resolve this situation."
On the other hand, it was announced that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would make a statement tomorrow morning at 09:00 local time (11:00 TRT) at the Moncloa residence in Madrid without taking questions in response to President Trump's remarks.
WHAT HAPPENED?
President Trump criticized Spain for not allowing the use of U.S. military aircraft stationed at the Moron de la Frontera and Rota military bases in Andalusia for attacks against Iran while answering reporters' questions during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. Trump stated, "Spain said we cannot use its bases, which is not true. We can use its bases if we want. No one can tell us not to use the bases. Spain is in a terrible situation right now. In fact, I told (Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent) Scott to cut all commercial ties with Spain."
Since Trump was re-elected as president in November 2024, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Spanish governments have been deteriorating. Especially as Spain emphasizes its support for Palestine, U.S.-Spain relations have suffered greater damage, which has also manifested itself in the U.S. military operation against President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.
The Spanish government, which did not allow the participation of U.S. troops stationed at the Moron de la Frontera and Rota bases in the military attacks initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran and caused U.S. aircraft to depart from this base, has continuously called for "respect for international law and dialogue."
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated in today's announcement, "We cannot accept war as a natural way to relate to each other and establish a balance of power in the Middle East. Violence never brings peace, democracy, or stability; it brings chaos and more instability." He emphasized that the attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which he described as "unjust," were "not in accordance with either the UN Charter or multilateralism." Albares stated that not allowing U.S. military bases to be used is "a matter related to Spain's sovereignty. There is nothing surprising or strange about it. Therefore, there cannot be a situation where there will be a response to this."