Senator Lindsey Graham on Monday, March 30, called on President Donald Trump to hit Spain with sanctions and pull American air bases out of the country after Madrid shut its airspace and bases to U.S. military flights in the war against Iran.

Graham, a senior Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the demand in direct response to Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles’s confirmation of the restrictions.

The move blocks U.S. planes from crossing Spanish territory or using joint bases like Rota and Morón for operations tied to the conflict that started on February 28.

“I would highly encourage President Trump not to let the Spanish government’s decision to restrict their airspace to the U.S. military go unanswered,” Graham wrote on X.

He described Iran as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism since 1979 and said Spain fails to grasp the stakes.

Graham went further, offering to help craft sanctions legislation and pushing hard for base relocation.

“I would again recommend to President Trump that we close U.S. air bases in Spain and relocate to a country that allows these assets to be used to protect America and the world. The sooner this is done, the better.”

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The backlash in Washington came fast and sharp as lawmakers and foreign policy voices called Spain’s decision a direct slap to a longtime NATO partner at a moment when Iranian forces have blocked the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring past $115 a barrel and threatening global energy supplies.

The U.S.-led campaign against Iran intensified Tehran’s aggressive moves to close the critical waterway, a chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil.

American and Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian military sites, proxy forces, and nuclear-related facilities. U.S. officials say the aim remains to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten shipping lanes and build nuclear weapons.

Why Spain said No to Trump calls.

Spain’s leftist government under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has taken a steady stance against involvement. Robles told reporters the bases, which operate under Spanish sovereignty, cannot support actions outside NATO treaty obligations or the U.N. Charter.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stressed the view that Spain wants to avert escalation and that there is strong domestic opposition to the war.

That position has infuriated many in the U.S. Capitol, with Graham and other supporters of strong action against Iran pointing out that European nations gain heavily from secure oil flows through the Strait but have given limited help. Graham has repeatedly pressed European allies on this point in recent weeks.

“Spain clearly doesn’t understand the importance of degrading the largest state sponsor of terrorism,” his statement continued.

The Trump administration has not yet announced specific retaliation, but sources close to the White House say the president views the Spanish restrictions as unacceptable during active operations.

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Trump has floated broader ideas about reassessing U.S. commitments to allies who don’t pull their weight.

Bases in Spain provide key logistics and staging for operations in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Relocating aircraft and personnel would take time and money, but could send a clear message.

Trump’s most consistent voices

Graham’s call comes amid continuing fighting. U.S. and Israeli forces continue strikes aimed at Iranian capabilities while monitoring proxy attacks in the region. Oil markets remain volatile as the blockade drags on.

The senator has served as one of Trump’s most consistent voices on Iran policy for years. His latest push paints a clear picture of the growing frustration in Washington over European foot-dragging, as American pilots and ships handle much of the heavy lifting.

As of Monday evening, the White House had no immediate comment on Graham’s proposal. Officials recently said Trump continues to concentrate on finishing the mission against Iran and securing energy routes vital to the U.S. and its partners.

Spain’s government showed no signs of backing down. Robles reiterated that the restrictions remain in effect.