From Foreign Policy · Ravi Agrawal · · 2m
Spain Defies Trump on NATO and Iran
Spain rejects Trump's demands on NATO defense spending and Iran war bases, citing international law.
In brief
Spain rejects Trump's demands on NATO defense spending and Iran war bases, citing international law. Spain refuses to increase NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP and opposes using Spanish bases in Iran conflict, emphasizing international law and European security. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
Spain's Foreign Policy Stance
Spain has chosen a path of frank disagreement with the Trump White House.
NATO Defense Spending Refusal
Under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Madrid refused to follow Washington’s call for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.
Iran War Bases Rejection
Spain rejected President Donald Trump’s request to use Spanish bases in the war with Iran.
Left-Wing Policy Approach
Spain’s left-wing government has publicly forged a path counter to global right-wing policies on immigration and the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
November Elections
Sánchez’s government faces elections in November, where Spaniards will decide if their foreign and domestic policies are reasonable.
Foreign Minister Albares
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasizes Spain’s commitment to international law and the UN Charter.
Trans-Atlantic Security
Spain maintains strong trade and military ties with the U.S., including two military bases essential for trans-Atlantic security.
Ukraine Support
Spain has backed Ukraine since the start of the war, supporting Zelensky’s government and sovereignty.
Middle East Policy
Spain calls Gaza actions a genocide and imposes an arms embargo on settlements, downgrading relations with Israel.
Defense Spending Reality
Spain spends 2 percent of GDP on defense and deploys 3,000 troops to Eastern Europe for NATO missions.
European Defense Strategy
Spain advocates for a common European defense force that complements NATO, not diminishes it.
China Relations
Spain signed 19 agreements with China in Beijing, balancing trade deficits while maintaining trans-Atlantic ties.
Gaza Policy Goals
Spain supports the two-state solution for peace in the Middle East, recognizing Palestine’s statehood.
Election Impact
Spain’s foreign policy decisions directly affect citizens through global crises like Ukraine and climate change.
Trade and Security
Spain has a trade surplus with the U.S., buys U.S. LNG, and maintains cultural and educational exchanges.
Consequence
Spain’s stance risks U.S. trade and diplomatic tensions but strengthens European unity and international law adherence.
The bottom line
Spain refuses to increase NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP and opposes using Spanish bases in Iran conflict, emphasizing international law and European security.
