Trump ‘Not Happy With’ UK And Spain Over Iran War Stance, Threatens Trade Action
President Donald Trump sharply criticized the United Kingdom and Spain for declining to fully support U.S. military strikes against Iran, warning that he could move to end trade with Spain and accusing Britain of failing to cooperate during the conflict.
Speaking at the White House on March 3 during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump expressed frustration with both countries’ positions following the joint U.S.–Israeli attack on Iran that began days earlier.
“I’m not happy with the UK,” Trump said, adding a pointed comparison about British leadership. “This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”
The remarks highlight growing tensions among Western allies as the war with Iran reshapes diplomatic relations across Europe and the Middle East.
Britain Declines to Join Iran Strike
The criticism stems largely from the decision by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to participate directly in the U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Although the United Kingdom did not join the offensive, Starmer said Britain would allow limited logistical support for American forces.
According to the British government, U.S. fighter aircraft were permitted to use two UK-linked air bases for defensive purposes:
- A base in Gloucestershire, England
- The joint UK–U.S. military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean
However, Britain refused to authorize the use of its military facilities in Cyprus for offensive operations against Iran.
One of those bases was later targeted by an Iranian-made drone during the conflict.
Trump complained that restrictions on British bases forced U.S. aircraft to travel longer distances during military operations.
“It’s taken three or four days just to figure out where we can land,” Trump said. “There would have been much more convenient landing there instead of flying many extra hours.”
Dispute Over Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Trump also criticized Britain’s policy toward the Chagos Islands, the territory where the important Diego Garcia base is located.
The Starmer government has previously agreed to return the islands to Mauritius while maintaining a long-term lease allowing U.S. and British forces to continue using the base.
Trump has repeatedly questioned that decision, arguing that it weakens Western strategic positioning in the region.
“I will say the UK has been very, very uncooperative with that stupid island that they have,” Trump said during the Oval Office meeting.
Diego Garcia has long been one of the most strategically significant military bases used by the United States, supporting operations across the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Trump Targets Spain With Trade Threat
Trump reserved some of his strongest criticism for Spain, accusing its government of refusing to allow U.S. forces to launch attacks against Iran from bases located on Spanish territory.
Spain’s government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, said American forces could only use Spanish bases for activities consistent with the United Nations Charter.
Spain hosts two major U.S. military facilities:
- Naval Base Rota
- Morón Air Base
Both installations have historically supported U.S. and NATO operations.
Trump said Spain’s position was unacceptable and warned of economic retaliation.
“Spain has been terrible,” he said. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
He added that he had asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to examine options for restricting economic ties.
Questions About Presidential Authority
It remains unclear whether the president has the legal authority to halt trade with Spain unilaterally.
In recent years, the U.S. Supreme Court limited the executive branch’s ability to impose certain tariffs using emergency powers, raising questions about how far a president can go in restricting international trade without congressional approval.
Despite those legal uncertainties, Trump suggested he could act quickly.
“I could tomorrow stop everything having to do with Spain — all business,” he said. “I have the right to do anything I want with it.”
Spain Responds to Trade Threat
Spain’s government responded by emphasizing the strength of its economic relationship with the United States and other international partners.
In a statement, Spanish officials said any changes to trade policy should respect international agreements and the role of private companies.
“Our relationship with the United States is mutually beneficial,” the government said. “If the U.S. administration wishes to review this relationship, it must do so while respecting international law and bilateral agreements.”
Officials added that Spain has the resources to mitigate economic impacts and diversify supply chains if necessary.
Disagreements Over Military Strategy
The dispute reflects broader differences within NATO and among Western allies over how to respond to Iran.
Sánchez has called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, arguing that military escalation could worsen instability in the region.
“One can oppose a hateful regime,” Sánchez said, “while also opposing an unjustified and dangerous military intervention.”
Spain has also been outspoken in criticizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has added to diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Washington.
Strains Among Longtime Allies
Despite the public disagreements, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Spain remain close military partners within NATO.
Britain has historically been one of Washington’s closest allies in conflicts including World War II, the Iraq War, and operations in Afghanistan.
Spain also supported the United States during the 2003 invasion of Iraq under former Prime Minister José María Aznar.
However, the ongoing Iran conflict has exposed divisions among Western governments about how aggressively to confront Tehran.
As the war continues to unfold, those differences could shape both military coordination and diplomatic relations among key U.S. allies.
