Macron backs Spain over Trump threat to sever trade ties completely
President of France Emmanuel Macron has expressed solidarity and full support for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez amid a threat by the United States to sever trade relations entirely. The move sharpens the rift in transatlantic ties after Spain refused to become a stepping‑stone for US military action in the Middle East.
The threat of a trade embargo was issued by United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. Trump fumed that Madrid had not allowed the US military to use the Rota and Morón Air Bases to launch an attack on Iran. He also criticised Spain’s reluctance to raise NATO defence spending to 5% of GDP.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares dismissed White House claims that Spain had begun cooperating within hours. Albares stressed that Madrid’s position remains consistent: military bases on Spanish soil will not be used for unilateral military actions outside the framework of international law.
‘Bases under Spanish sovereignty will not be used for anything beyond agreements with the United States or anything not in line with the UN Charter,’ Albares said. Spain regards the joint US-Israel strike on Tehran on 28 February as an action outside the legitimate collective path.
The tension has sparked high volatility in global financial markets. Data monitoring on Thursday, 5 March 2026, showed the rupiah trading around 16,889 to 16,896 per US dollar. Uncertainty about the direction of US trade policy under the Trump administration has led investors to favour safe‑haven assets.
The conflict stems from a massive air offensive carried out by the US and Israel on Saturday, 28 February 2026 targeting Tehran’s leadership. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the attack. In response, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes against US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, further souring security in the Persian Gulf.
Macron stated that the strike was conducted outside international law and France cannot endorse it. Macron’s backing for Spain is seen as an effort to strengthen the European Union bloc in facing the increasingly aggressive and transactional foreign policy of the United States.
US–Iran tensions escalate. President Donald Trump has reportedly prepared a military base in the Middle East and is weighing a limited strike in pursuit of a nuclear deal.