The US has issued what appears to be a thinly veiled warning to Spain referencing the strategic importance of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Speaking this week, US ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz pointed directly to global maritime chokepoints.
He said: ‘Unfortunately, there will be conflicts in the future and, whether in the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Gibraltar or the Strait of Hormuz, the world cannot allow a precedent where one side can try to punish global economies in order to gain an advantage over the other.’
The remarks come just days after the US confirmed the withdrawal of around 5,000 troops from Germany – a move widely seen as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to pressure allies he considers insufficiently supportive.
While framed in general terms, the inclusion of Gibraltar has been widely interpreted as a message to Spain, which has refused to allow the use of its bases for US operations linked to the conflict with Iran.
Spain in Washington’s sights
The comments add to growing pressure on Madrid, which has already drawn criticism from the Trump administration for its stance on the Middle East and its defence spending within NATO.
Despite Germany taking a more accommodating position towards Washington, it was not spared from the troop withdrawal, fuelling speculation that Spain could be next.
US bases in Rota (Cadiz) and Moron (Sevilla) are now being discussed as potential targets in any further reduction of American military presence in Europe.
Such a move would have major implications. The Rota base alone supports thousands of jobs and generates hundreds of millions of euros annually for the local economy, while Moron plays a key strategic role in rapid deployment operations.
NATO tensions rising
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged growing frustration in Washington with Europe’s response to the Iran crisis.
‘There has been some disappointment from the United States regarding Europe’s reaction,’ he said, adding that some countries had ‘heard the message loud and clear’ – though he notably did not include Spain among them.
The situation has exposed widening cracks within the alliance, particularly as the US pushes for greater support in securing key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, there has been no formal announcement regarding US troop levels in Spain. However, the combination of military decisions, diplomatic pressure and increasingly pointed rhetoric suggests that Madrid is firmly in Washington’s focus.
