President Trump criticized Spain on March 3 for refusing to cooperate with American military efforts against Iran, labeling the nation “terrible” and stating it had been “very, very uncooperative.” The president announced plans to cut all trade with Spain and accused it of failing to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP—a standard NATO allies have agreed upon.
Spanish officials denied reports that they would deploy military assets to defend Cyprus amid Iran’s targeting of the region. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated Spain’s position on Middle East conflicts remains unchanged, emphasizing condemnation of Iranian attacks on Turkey and Qatar while omitting any criticism of Iranian actions in Israel. The Spanish government reiterated its commitment to diplomatic solutions for regional de-escalation.
Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez has implemented measures restricting Israeli military supply lines, including denying entry into Spanish airspace for defense aircraft destined for Israel and banning transit through Spanish ports for ships carrying fuel for the Israeli armed forces. Sánchez has accused Israel of “genocide in Gaza” and “the extermination” of Palestinians.
Historical tensions between Spain and Israel date back centuries, with Spain expelling Jews in 1492 and a documented history of anti-Semitism that included torture of converts to Catholicism by Spanish authorities, as detailed in Benzion Netanyahu’s writings. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Spain did not allow U.S. military use of its bases for Israel despite pressure from Senator Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson and his aide Richard Perle.
Economic data shows Spain’s GDP per capita at $35,326 in 2024, compared to Israel’s $54,177 and the United States’ $84,534. Banco Santander shares dropped 13.5 percent to $11.20 a share following Trump’s remarks, reflecting concerns over its $12.2 billion deal to acquire Webster Bank for $75 per share. Banco Santander CEO Ana Botín had previously praised Trump at the 2025 Davos summit, stating she expected an “amazing relationship” between the U.S. and Spain to resume soon.