Graham Calls for Closing U.S. Bases in Spain Over Airspace Dispute
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WASHINGTON — Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called on the United States to close its military bases in Spain on Sunday following Madrid's decision to deny airspace access to American aircraft participating in Operation Epic Fury.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two NATO allies over the ongoing military operation. Graham, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated during a press conference that the Spanish government's move represented a fundamental breach of the mutual defense agreements underpinning the alliance.
"Spain has made a choice to obstruct American military operations," Graham said. "We cannot maintain a strategic partnership with a nation that actively impedes our ability to project power and protect our interests. It is time to remove our forces from Spanish soil."
Operation Epic Fury, a joint multinational exercise involving air and naval assets, has been underway in the Mediterranean region since late February. The operation was designed to test rapid deployment capabilities and interoperability among NATO partners. However, Spanish officials confirmed earlier this week that they would not permit U.S. aircraft to transit through their sovereign airspace, citing national security concerns and a desire to maintain neutrality in the escalating regional conflict.
The Spanish Ministry of Defense issued a brief statement affirming the closure of its airspace to foreign military aircraft involved in the operation. The ministry did not explicitly name the United States but confirmed the restriction applied to all non-EU military assets participating in the exercise.
U.S. officials in Washington have not yet issued a formal response to Graham's proposal. The Pentagon has historically maintained a significant footprint in Spain, including the Morón Air Base and Rota Naval Station, which serve as critical logistical hubs for operations in the Middle East and Africa.
Graham's comments come amid growing debate within the U.S. Congress regarding the future of American military commitments in Europe. Several lawmakers have questioned the reliability of European allies in light of recent geopolitical shifts. However, other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have urged caution, warning that closing bases in Spain could destabilize the NATO alliance and leave a strategic vacuum in the region.
The potential withdrawal of U.S. forces from Spain would represent a major shift in the transatlantic security architecture. Military analysts suggest that relocating assets from Spanish soil could take months or years, depending on the availability of alternative facilities in Portugal, Italy, or Germany.
As of Sunday evening, no official decision has been made by the White House or the Department of Defense regarding the future of U.S. installations in Spain. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels reportedly working to de-escalate the dispute before any permanent changes are enacted.
The outcome of the standoff between Washington and Madrid remains uncertain, leaving the status of American military presence in the Iberian Peninsula in limbo.