Trump declares Iran peace memorandum ‘over’, threatens to cut trade ties with Spain
Spanish officials said bilateral relations between the two countries remain mutually beneficial and indicated they would continue engaging with Washington despite the remarks.
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran to end recent hostilities is effectively “over,” saying he no longer wishes to engage with Tehran and describing the country’s leadership as “sick people.”
Speaking during a NATO summit on Wednesday, Trump said he had lost interest in pursuing further negotiations with Iran despite the interim agreement that had envisioned a broader peace deal by mid-August.
“To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them,” Trump told reporters when asked about the future of the agreement. “They’re scum. They’re sick people. They’re led by sick people.”
He added: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them.”
Trump’s remarks came as the United States intensified pressure on Iran by launching new military strikes and revoking a licence that had allowed Tehran to export oil. The measures followed attacks on three oil tankers and further strained a ceasefire that had been viewed as fragile.
The latest developments have raised fresh concerns about renewed instability in the Middle East, with the collapse of diplomatic efforts threatening to reignite broader regional tensions.
Spain also targeted
Trump also announced plans to sever trade ties with Spain, accusing the European nation of failing to contribute adequately to NATO’s collective defence.
He said he had instructed U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to end trade relations with Madrid.
“Spain is a lost cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” Trump said.
“Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, including visits.”
The comments reflect ongoing disagreements between Washington and Madrid over defence spending, with Spain having resisted Trump’s repeated calls for European NATO members to significantly increase military expenditure.
NATO summit overshadowed
Trump’s statements dominated discussions at the NATO gathering, overshadowing efforts by European leaders to present a united front on security issues, including continued support for Ukraine.
The summit had been expected to focus on strengthening alliance unity, but Trump’s remarks instead highlighted continuing divisions within NATO over defence spending and foreign policy.
Spain responds
Spain downplayed Trump’s comments, with the office of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez describing the statements as consistent with the U.S. president’s usual rhetoric.
Spanish officials said bilateral relations between the two countries remain mutually beneficial and indicated they would continue engaging with Washington despite the remarks.
The latest developments add further uncertainty to both U.S.-Iran relations and transatlantic diplomacy, as tensions over security, trade and international cooperation continue to test relationships among key global allies.
