Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the politicians closest to Donald Trump on foreign policy, has asked his president to withdraw the United States military bases in Spain, those in Rota (Cádiz) and Morón (Seville). This occurs after the "No to War" from Pedro Sánchez and his rejection of both bases being used for the offensive that the North American country along with Israel surprisingly launched on February 28 against Iran.
Graham expressed his criticisms during a television interview, where he questioned Washington maintaining military facilities in Spanish territory if the country is not willing to collaborate in operations that, in his opinion, are key for international security.
The Spanish refusal had already provoked a reaction from the American president, who threatened to cut trade with Spain and criticized Pedro Sánchez's Executive for not supporting the military operation. These statements have intensified the diplomatic crisis between both allies.
In his statements, Graham also directed criticism at other allied countries, such as Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates, which in his opinion are not showing sufficient support for the American strategy in the region. The Republican senator pointed out that Washington expects a greater cooperation from partners who benefit from military protection and defense agreements with the United States.
The senator argued that the relationship between the United States and its allies must be based on mutual security commitments and stated that the US Administration should reconsider its military presence in those countries that, in his opinion, do not support certain strategic operations.
