Could Trump’s Iran trade war threaten Spain’s saffron-infused paella?
US threats to punish Iran’s trade partners could disrupt Spain’s saffron supply, pressuring paella chefs and exporters.
Madrid, Spain – Fields of purple flowers contain crimson stigmas that make saffron, an essential spice in Spain’s national dish, paella.
Though the central Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha grows its own crop, Spain depends largely on Iran for its supply.
This could now be under threat after the United States said in late August that it would launch an “economic onslaught” against Tehran’s trade partners around the globe to cripple Iran financially. The United Arab Emirates also said it would suspend trade relations with Iran.
“Those who stand with the United States will reap the rewards of our partnership,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said. “Those who tether themselves to the Iranian regime should expect to share in the isolation.”