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A senior U.S. Republican lawmaker has criticized Washington’s Gulf allies for refusing to take part in the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran.
Speaking on Fox News, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, should take a more active role in the conflict.
Graham pointed to the UAE’s decision not to allow its territory to be used for attacks on Iran.
“This is so disappointing,” Graham said. “We need partners that will step forward in a fight that we can’t afford to lose.”
He said he wants the U.S.’ partners in Saudi Arabia and other countries to join the effort. “To our Arab friends, I’ve tried to help you construct a new Middle East. You need to up your game here,” Graham said.
He also said he wants U.S. allies to say, “This is my fight, too.”
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Graham also criticized Spain after it said it would not allow the U.S. to use joint military bases in the country during the war with Iran.
“To our allies. Step up,” Graham said.
“Get our air bases out of Spain. They’re not reliable. Move all those airplanes to a country that would let us use them when we’re threatened by a regime like Iran.”
The comments come as tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that it would face severe consequences if it interfered with oil shipments through the waterway.
Trump threatened to strike Iran “20 times harder” if it stops oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after saying the war could end “very soon.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has said Tehran will decide when the war ends.
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