Graham Urges Sanctions on Spain Over Iran War Stance

US Senator Lindsey Graham has called for sanctions on Spain after Madrid refused to support American military operations linked to the war with Iran.

The Republican senator made the remarks after Spain blocked its airspace to US military aircraft involved in the conflict and earlier denied the use of jointly operated bases for war-related operations. Graham said President Donald Trump should not leave Spain’s decision unanswered and urged Washington to respond forcefully.

In a post on X, Graham said Spain did not understand the importance of confronting Iran and argued that Madrid’s move amounted to disrespect toward the United States. He also said he would gladly work with others to impose sanctions on Spain and even suggested relocating US air bases to a country more willing to support American operations.

Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s strongest critics of the war, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez repeatedly describing the conflict as illegal and contrary to international law. Spanish officials have said they will not allow either their bases or national airspace to be used for actions related to the war in Iran.

From Washington’s perspective, Spain’s decision complicates military logistics at a sensitive moment, especially as the United States expands deployments and keeps pressure on Iran. But from Madrid’s side, the refusal is being framed as a matter of sovereignty, legality and an effort to avoid being drawn into a wider regional war.

The dispute highlights a widening political rift inside the Western alliance over the conflict. While some US officials and lawmakers see allied backing as essential in confronting Iran, critics in Europe argue that deeper military involvement risks prolonging a costly and destabilizing war.

Spain had already resisted pressure from Washington earlier in the conflict by denying the use of the Rota and Morón bases for offensive operations. That stance made Madrid one of the clearest European outliers against the US-Israel military campaign and exposed rare tensions within NATO.

The row also comes as Trump has threatened economic retaliation against allies seen as obstructing US military strategy. Analysts say any move toward sanctions on Spain would mark a serious escalation in transatlantic tensions and could trigger broader political fallout inside Europe.

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