President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain’s government Wednesday after it blocked the United States from using joint military bases for offensive operations tied to the ongoing campaign against Iran.
Spain’s socialist government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has refused to allow U.S. forces to launch strikes against Iran from the Rota naval base and the Morón airbase. Spanish officials said the bases would only be used for missions consistent with the United Nations Charter.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Madrid’s position had not changed “one iota,” forcing the U.S. military to reroute certain assets involved in the operation.
Trump responded with a blunt rebuke of the Spanish government while speaking to reporters.
“I think they’re not cooperating at all,” Trump said. “Spain, I think they’ve been very bad. Very bad. Not good at all.”
The president suggested Spain’s decision could have economic consequences and raised the possibility of cutting off trade with the country.
Trump also accused Spain of failing to meet its obligations within NATO while benefiting from the alliance’s security protections.
“They get protected. They don’t want to pay their fair share,” Trump said.
At the same time, Trump emphasized that his criticism was directed at Spain’s leadership rather than its citizens.
“The people of Spain are fantastic,” he said. “The leadership, not so good.”
The dispute comes as Spain has moved to distance itself from the U.S. and Israel during the conflict with Iran. The Spanish government recently withdrew its ambassador from Israel, a move that further signaled tension with the American led coalition.
Despite the disagreement with Spain, Trump praised the progress of the military campaign against Iran, saying the operation has dramatically weakened Tehran’s military capabilities.
The president said Iran’s naval forces have been largely destroyed and that dozens of vessels used for mine laying operations have been eliminated.
According to Trump, the Iranian air force has also been neutralized and key radar and air defense systems have been destroyed.
“Our military is the best. It’s the most powerful in the world,” Trump said. “We’ve done something that nobody ever thought was possible to do.”
Trump added that several senior Iranian regime figures have been eliminated during the campaign and claimed Iran no longer has an effective air defense network.
The president said world leaders have expressed surprise at the speed and scale of the American military operation.
When asked how long the campaign might continue, Trump said the United States will maintain pressure until Iran’s ability to threaten the region is completely removed.
“We will continue more of the same,” Trump said.
He added that the U.S. military has the capability to escalate the operation dramatically if necessary.
Trump warned that if the United States chose to fully unleash its capabilities, Iran could be destroyed in a matter of hours, though he emphasized that American forces have so far acted with precision rather than overwhelming force.
The post Trump Slams Spain, Warns Of Trade Consequences Over Iran Operations appeared first on Real News Now.
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