During a press briefing on March 20th, President Trump indicated potential US troop withdrawals from bases in Europe, linking the decision to European support regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Graham Calls for Troop Removal from Spain
Senator Lindsey Graham has specifically called for the removal of US bases from Spain, citing Madrid’s reluctance to authorize the use of naval bases for potential attacks on Iran. He made this appeal in a March 10th interview with Fox News.
Graham stated, “If they don’t let us use their bases…our air bases in their country, to prevent a murderous regime from getting a nuclear weapon which terrorizes the world…Tonight I’m calling on President Trump to move all of our bases out of Spain.”
Trump Links Troop Presence to Hormuz Security
President Trump stated that European nations should be assisting with securing the Strait of Hormuz, as they heavily rely on energy resources transported through it. He acknowledged Senator Graham’s concerns about NATO’s inaction.
Trump noted that many senators and congressmen are “very unhappy” that NATO has not taken action regarding the situation.
Iran Nuclear Program Concerns Remain
Despite claims from the Trump administration that Iran’s nuclear program has been “completely” destroyed, significant quantities of enriched uranium remain under Iranian control, posing a continued threat.
Graham’s Longstanding Advocacy for Iran Action
Lindsey Graham has consistently advocated for military action against Iran for years, regularly discussing the issue with President Trump. He has portrayed Iran as a major obstacle to stability in the Middle East.
Graham reportedly told Trump that removing the Iranian regime would be akin to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and has regularly raised the issue with the President.
Trump’s Anger Over European “Unwillingness”
On March 17th, Graham shared that he had discussed with Trump the “unwillingness of European allies” to support the US in the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that securing the strait would benefit Europe more than the United States.
Graham described Trump as “furious” about the situation, a sentiment he shared given the stakes involved.
Call for Allied Assistance in Strait of Hormuz
Trump reiterated his call for US allies and China to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz, stating that America does not directly benefit from its use and that the operation would be relatively straightforward.
He emphasized that opening the strait would be a “simple military maneuver” requiring significant naval resources, suggesting NATO could provide assistance.
Expert Concerns About Military Operation
Despite Trump’s assessment, most experts believe a potential military operation in the Strait of Hormuz carries substantial risks due to the region’s geography and the various threats posed by Iran, including mines, small boat attacks, and missiles.