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It all started with a geopolitical earthquake.
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Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called out Europe’s deep divisions.
“You have countries like the Czech Republic which is strongly supporting this operation and then you have Spain, which is standing with all the tyrants of the world,” Sa’ar said.
And Madrid shot back. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a firm “no to war” and blocked the US from using Spanish soil for its Iran operations.
In response, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain. Let’s break down what is at stake.
First, the military footprint. Spain vetoed US access to its Rota and Morón military bases.
These two strategically vital hubs for Washington in Europe sit near the Strait of Gibraltar, acting as a primary gateway for projecting American power into the Middle East. And without them, US logistics get significantly more complicated.
Second, the economic fallout. As one of Spain’s largest non-EU trading partners, the US accounts for tens of billions of euros in annual trade.
If Washington pulls the plug, it could devastate Spanish exporters, hitting everything from heavy machinery and pharmaceuticals to wine and olive oil.
Right now, Madrid insists it is standing on the side of international law.
Pointing to the 2003 Iraq war, Sánchez stated he was against repeating the past. He argued that Spain’s backing of US military action back then only unleashed massive insecurity across Europe.
But with Washington using trade against yet another NATO ally, the question is: who will blink first?
Watch the Euronews video in the player above for the full story.
