Trump Threatens Trade Cuts After Spain Denies US Bases for Iran Strikes

Trump has insisted that Israel did not pressure the US to launch initial strikes over the weekend, telling reporters that Iran 'was going to attack first'. The US president also threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after the NATO ally refused Washington permission for two jointly operated bases in southern Spain to be used in US strikes on Iran.

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The president's comments come amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, with the Trump administration ramping up its 'maximum pressure' campaign against the Islamic Republic. Trump has claimed that Iran was planning imminent attacks against American interests, which prompted the initial airstrikes.

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However, the move has faced backlash from US allies, with Spain denying the US permission to use its military bases for potential strikes on Iran. Trump responded by threatening to cut off all trade with the European nation, a significant escalation in the administration's hardline approach.

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Israel, a close US ally, has also been drawn into the tensions, with Trump insisting the country did not influence the decision to launch the initial strikes. This comes as Israel has been accused of carrying out its own covert attacks against Iranian targets in the region.

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The unfolding crisis highlights the delicate geopolitical landscape and the potential for further conflict in the Middle East. As the Trump administration continues its confrontational stance towards Iran, the involvement of allies like Spain and Israel adds an additional layer of complexity to the situation.

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Analysts warn that the escalating tensions could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to a wider regional conflict or disrupting global trade and economic stability. With the stakes high, all eyes will be on the next moves by the US, Iran, and their respective allies in the days and weeks ahead.