Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) intensified his calls Friday for President Trump to shutter U.S. military bases in allied nations that refuse to support ongoing American-Israeli operations against Iran. The proposal, which Trump signaled he is “right” to consider, marks a significant escalation in the administration’s frustration with NATO allies.
A Test of Alliances
The friction stems from the refusal of several European nations to grant the U.S. overflight rights or allow the use of domestic bases for strikes against Iranian targets. Graham’s remarks specifically targeted Spain, following Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’s declaration that Spanish-sovereign bases would not be used for actions outside the U.N. Charter or existing treaties.
“I think America’s interests would be well-served to move those aircraft from Spain to a country that we can actually rely on in a time of great need,” Graham wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He characterized Spain’s restrictions as an “insult and an outrage” to the longstanding alliance.
The Economic Stakes
The diplomatic rift comes as the global economy reels from the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which began February 28. The closure of this critical energy chokepoint has triggered a sharp spike in global fuel prices. Despite the economic pressure:
- The United Kingdom recently authorized “defensive” strikes from its bases, a move Trump dismissed as a “very late response.”
- Spain and other NATO members remain firm in their refusal to participate in offensive maneuvers.
- Seven nations have reportedly declined Trump’s direct request to provide warships to secure the strait.
Shift Toward Aggression
Graham, a long-time hawk on Middle Eastern policy, continues to advocate for a “maximum pressure” military stance. Earlier this week, he urged the President to seize Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal, to cripple the regime’s remaining economic leverage.
The Senator’s latest rhetoric mirrors a growing “America First” sentiment within the GOP, suggesting that military presence should be contingent on active cooperation. “Our allies take America for granted at their own peril,” Graham warned, reinforcing the administration’s position that the era of unconditional protection may be ending.
As the conflict enters its fourth week, the White House has not yet confirmed a formal review of its European basing structure. However, with the President’s public endorsement of Graham’s logic, the future of U.S. assets in “non-cooperative” jurisdictions remains under intense scrutiny.
