Spanish minister: Appealing to Trump 'completely useless' for EU

Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun delivered a blunt assessment Thursday of transatlantic relations, asserting that European efforts to engage President Donald Trump through personal appeals have become futile. In an interview with Channel 4, Urtasun articulated a hardening EU position toward the Trump administration amid escalating tensions over the US-Israeli offensive on Iran.

'Completely useless' to engage Trump personally

"I think that there is a growing sense at the EU level that it's completely useless to continue appealing to Donald Trump's vanity or personal interests. I mean, this is over," Urtasun stated, reflecting European frustration with Washington's unilateral approach to the Iran crisis. The minister emphasized that EU members cannot agree to "play down" their own values and interests "to please Donald Trump," signaling a fundamental shift in how European capitals view engagement with the American president.

Madrid refuses to compromise principles

When questioned about Spain's opposition to Washington's military campaign against Iran, Urtasun offered a robust defense of his government's position. "I think there's a moment where democratic countries who believe in international law and multilateralism have to stand up. There's no other choice," he declared. The minister warned of profound consequences if nations simply accept repeated violations of international law, asking "What kind of world are we going to build in the 21st century?" He added emphatically, "At a certain moment, we need to say no. We need to say stop."

Spain undeterred by trade threats

Urtasun dismissed Washington's threats to impose a full trade embargo on Spain following Madrid's refusal to allow US military access to Spanish bases for operations against Iran. The minister characterized such threats as lacking credibility, stating it is "very difficult" to take them seriously. He reaffirmed Spain's position calling "for de-escalation to try to stop the different military actions that are being developed at the moment and to resume talks and dialogue," positioning Madrid firmly on the side of diplomatic resolution.

Transatlantic rift widens

The Spanish minister's comments underscore a deepening divide between Washington and key European allies as the US-Israeli offensive against Iran continues. Since Saturday, the campaign has killed approximately 1,000 people, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior commanders, while Tehran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and Gulf nations hosting American assets. With Spain refusing base access and EU members increasingly vocal in their criticism, the transatlantic partnership faces one of its most severe tests as the conflict threatens to expand further.