‘Spain Has Been Terrible’: Trump Reacts After US Fighter Jets Forced To Leave Spanish Airspace

US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Spain after Madrid refused to allow American fighter jets to use its airspace for operations targeting Iran, turning a military logistics issue into a widening diplomatic row.

The sharp exchange comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Washington pressing ahead with operations against Iranian targets while some European allies weigh their positions cautiously.

Airspace Refusal Sparks Diplomatic Flashpoint

Spanish authorities reportedly instructed US military aircraft to leave their airspace, denying permission for it to be used in connection with potential strikes on Iran. Following the directive, US fighter jets vacated Spanish-controlled skies and adjusted their operational routes.

The move drew an immediate and forceful response from Trump.

"Spain has been terrible," he said.

He went further, adding, "I told Bessent to cut off all dealings with Spain."

The remarks signalled a dramatic escalation in tone towards a NATO ally, with Trump indicating that Spain's decision could carry economic or diplomatic consequences.

Trump Defends Iran Strikes

Even as the airspace dispute unfolded, Trump defended US military action against Iran. Speaking days after joint US and Israel strikes on Iranian naval and air targets, he said the United States was doing "extremely well" and claimed "just about everything has been knocked out."

"Everything has been knocked out in Iran," Trump said after a meeting with the German Chancellor at the White House.

He stated that he ordered the attack because he "had a feeling" Iran would strike the United States as negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme stalled. Trump did not provide evidence to substantiate that assessment.

He also criticised Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf nations, accusing Tehran of targeting civilian locations and countries "that had nothing to do with the conflict."

Questions Over Iran's Future Leadership

Trump also addressed the issue of political succession in Tehran, reflecting on what might follow the current leadership.

"I would like to sees somebody in there that's better," he said.

"Worst case is that we hit Iran and somebody takes over as bad as the previous person," Trump remarked, adding, "Someone from within might be more appropriate for Iran."

Strain Extends Beyond Military Operations

Spain has not publicly elaborated in detail on its reasoning for denying use of its airspace, but the refusal underscores the divisions emerging among Western partners over the scope and legality of military engagement with Iran.

Trump's framing of the episode shifts attention from the immediate tactical impact to the broader implications for alliance politics. By calling Spain's conduct "terrible" and threatening to halt dealings, he has transformed an operational setback into a wider diplomatic confrontation.

With tensions in the region still high and Washington defending its strikes as necessary, the dispute between the United States and Spain adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile geopolitical landscape.