US Considers Sanctions on Spain for Barring Ships Bringing Arms to Israel

Containers are seen in the Port of Vigo, Spain, March 13, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The US is weighing potential penalties against Spanish-linked shipping after Spain denied port entry to cargo vessels transporting US weapons to Israel, escalating a rare maritime and diplomatic dispute between two NATO allies.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), an independent agency of the US government, opened an investigation late last year into Spain for refusing to allow at least three cargo vessels ...