US Mulls Sanctions On Spanish-Flagged Vessels

The US is considering sanctions against Spain due to Spain's actions against US-flagged vessels. These actions involve Spain blocking ships carrying weapons bound for Israel, including refusals for American ships to dock. Freight Waves reported several incidents in late 2024 of Spanish port denials to US-flagged vessels. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) confirmed these actions aligned with Spain's policy boycotting Israel due to the Gaza war. Spain has implemented a policy banning ships and aircraft carrying weapons or fuel for Israel from using its ports or airspace. The FMC is now exploring remedies, including restrictions on voyages to or from US ports. The relationship between the US and Spain, typically cooperative, is becoming tense due to this political divergence. The Rota and Morón bases, heavily utilized by the US military, are becoming focal points in this discord. Spain defends its actions based on sovereignty and a 1988 defense agreement. This situation arises amid growing European scrutiny of Israeli military actions.