Spain caves to Trump after embargo threat, agrees to cooperate with U.S.: WH

Spain is a member of NATO, though its government has generally declined to meet defense spending targets, much to the chagrin of Trump.

Published: March 4, 2026 2:11pm

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday confirmed that Spain had agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military after President Donald Trump threatened a total embargo over Madrid's refusal to let the U.S. use its military bases for the strikes on Iran.

"With respect to Spain, I think they heard the president's message yesterday loud and clear. And it's my understanding, over the past several hours, they've agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military," Leavitt said. "The president expects all of our European allies to cooperate in this long-sought-after mission."

Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain after the country refused to cooperate with the military in the ongoing strikes against Iran. Spain is a member of NATO, though its government has generally declined to meet defense spending targets, much to the chagrin of Trump.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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