Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has responded forcefully to recent remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed he would cut off trade with Spain after the country criticized US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The controversy stems from attacks launched on February 28, following the collapse of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, during which the US and Israel targeted strategic and military sites in the country.

Among the casualties was Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside other senior members of Iran’s leadership. Civilian areas were not spared either, with at least one strike hitting a school and tragically killing 165 children and teachers. The escalating conflict has drawn global attention, and Trump’s threats toward Spain have intensified tensions between the two nations, highlighting the complex dynamics of international diplomacy amid active military campaigns.

Trump’s statements, made from the Oval Office on a Tuesday, suggested that Spain had acted unfriendly toward the United States and that, as a result, he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings with Spain.” Trump criticized Spain for failing to meet US requests regarding European contributions to defense spending and for refusing to allow the use of Spanish military bases to facilitate attacks.