Trump threatens total Spain trade cut over Iran base refusal; blasts UK Starmer on Diego Garcia as RAF aids strikes.
Trump Orders Treasury to Halt All Spain Dealings After NATO Base Snub – UK Diego Garcia Fight Erupts as Starmer Limits Strikes (Image: X)
President Donald Trump dropped a trade bomb on Spain Tuesday, vowing to slash all economic ties unless it opens military bases for the raging U.S.-Israel war on Iran. Speaking at the White House during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump accused Madrid of turning unfriendly by revoking U.S. access to NATO facilities. The fiery outburst came as Britain faced heat too over base restrictions, though London softened its stance with limited approvals.
Trump unloaded on Spain during the press briefing, calling it "terrible" for refusing base use tied to Iran strikes. He claimed every European nation pledged 5% defense spending at his push—Germany included—but Spain balked and yanked permissions. "We're going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don't want anything to do with Spain," Trump declared. He directed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end all dealings. Trump shrugged off the snub, insisting U.S. forces could "just fly in and use it" regardless. The threat risks billions in transatlantic commerce amid the escalating Middle East firestorm.
Trump turned on Britain over the Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean, key for initial Iran raids. He griped about a Chagos Islands lease snag that forced extra flight hours, saying "somebody came and took it away." "This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with," Trump jabbed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who denied early access to Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Starmer later greenlit limited U.S. use against Iranian missiles, citing shifted threats after Tehran's regional attacks. He told MPs it's Britain's national interest guiding calls, not U.S. pressure.
Starmer stood firm initially but pivoted Sunday as Iran struck Middle East targets, endangering UK people and allies. Britain deployed a Royal Navy destroyer and anti-drone helicopters, while RAF F-35s downed Iranian drones over Jordan. "President Trump has expressed his disagreement... but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest," Starmer told Parliament. The partial thaw eased some tension, yet Trump's public swipe highlighted alliance strains over the Iran campaign now stretching weeks.
A: Cut off all trade and dealings after base access denial for Iran ops.
A: Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford; later limited OK for missile strikes.
A: 5% from European nations; claims Spain refused.
A: Navy destroyer, anti-drone choppers; RAF F-35s down drones over Jordan.
A: Lease issue delayed landings, forced longer flights.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
