# Spain Defies Trump on NATO and Iran

> Spain rejects Trump's demands on NATO defense spending and Iran war bases, citing international law.
- Title: Spain Defies Trump on NATO and Iran · Foreign Policy
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: spain, nato, trump, defense spending, iran war, international law, pedro sánchez, jose manuel albares, Defies, Iran, Foreign Policy
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/15/jose-manuel-albares-spain-foreign-policy-nato-trump-international-law
- Author: Ravi Agrawal
- Published: 2026-10-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: spain, nato, trump, defense spending, iran war, international law, pedro sánchez, jose manuel albares
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.