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Trump Suggests Withdrawal of US Bases in Spain and Criticises NATO Over Strait of Hormuz

 

Spain / 22 March 2026

 

Washington/London, 20 March 2026 – US President Donald Trump has suggested that withdrawing American military bases from Spain and other NATO allies may be justified due to their refusal to cooperate in ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.

 

In remarks addressing members of Congress advocating such action, Trump stated, “Those who suggest holding countries accountable for non-cooperation are right.” He added, “I think NATO is on the wrong track. They should be helping in the Strait.”

 

Senator Lindsey Graham specifically called for the withdrawal of US aircraft from the Rota and Morón air bases in Cádiz, labelling Spain’s refusal to allow their use for military operations as “an insult and an affront to the alliance.” Trump also hinted at potential trade reprisals against Spain for distancing itself from the conflict.

 

Despite this pressure, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly defended Spain’s refusal to support U.S. military plans in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the war as harmful and illegal.

 

Sánchez has refused to allow the United States to use Spanish bases at Rota and Morón for offensive operations, stating this aligns with international law and Spain’s consistent opposition to the conflict. He has repeatedly summarised Spain’s stance as “no to war”, describing the U.S.-Israeli strikes and the wider conflict as a serious error that risks regional and global instability. Spain’s limited involvement has been confined to deploying the frigate Cristóbal Colón in the eastern Mediterranean alongside other European allies, including France’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

 

The UK recently reversed its previous stance, allowing the United States to use British bases for “defensive operations” aimed at neutralising threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Iranian officials, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of endangering British lives. Trump, however, praised the UK decision, highlighting it as a rare example of an ally aligning with US objectives in the region.

 

The latest statements from President Trump coincide with the first visit to the Rota naval base by the new US Ambassador to Spain, Benjamin León Jr., who thanked American troops for their service and commitment during the deployment.

 

President Trump’s remarks underscore growing tensions within NATO and signal mounting diplomatic pressure on European allies as the Middle East conflict continues, while Spain maintains a firm stance on legal, strategic, and ethical grounds.