Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), issued a provocative demand on Monday, March 30, 2026, calling for an immediate end to German support for the U.S.-led war on Iran. Speaking at a party conference in Saxony, Chrupalla urged the German government to follow the example set by Spain by closing its military bases and initiating the withdrawal of all 38,000 U.S. troops stationed on German soil.
The “Spanish Model”: Neutrality and Safe Passage
The AfD’s demand centers on the strategic decoupling recently executed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
- Base Closures: Spain has prohibited the U.S. from using jointly operated bases, such as Rota and Morón de la Frontera, for missions related to the Iran conflict. Earlier today, Madrid went a step further by closing its airspace to all U.S. military flights involved in the war.
- The Hormuz Advantage: Chrupalla highlighted reports that Spanish-flagged vessels are now transiting the Strait of Hormuz “undisturbed.” This follows a statement from the Iranian Embassy in Madrid characterizing Spain as a “country committed to international law,” making Tehran receptive to Spanish maritime requests while the U.S. and its active allies remain blockaded.
- Economic Sovereignty: The AfD argues that Germany’s current alignment with Washington is a “self-destructive” policy that has spiked domestic energy costs and invited the risk of retaliatory strikes on German soil, specifically targeting the Ramstein Air Base.
“Send Them Home”: A Challenge to the Merz Government
Chrupalla’s “Send U.S. troops home” rhetoric puts further pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has already been forced to recalibrate Germany’s stance.
- Refusal to Join: Chancellor Merz officially ruled out German participation in the war last week, citing the catastrophic potential for an energy crisis and a new wave of migration.
- The Ramstein Dispute: Iran has recently demanded “clarity” from Berlin regarding whether the Ramstein Air Base is being used to coordinate strikes. While the German Defense Ministry maintains the base’s use is governed by long-standing treaties, the AfD claims this “legal fig leaf” makes Germany a “co-belligerent” by default.
- Independent Foreign Policy: Chrupalla stated that the AfD aims for a “completely independent” foreign policy by 2029, one that prioritizes German economic stability over “Atlanticist adventures.”
Regional Fallout: The “Fragmentation” of NATO
The AfD’s praise for Spain’s defiance underscores a growing fragmentation within the NATO alliance over the month-long conflict.
- The Critics: Spain, and now the AfD in Germany, represent a camp that views the war as “unilateral and illegal.”
- The Supporters: The UK, Italy, and Eastern European allies remain largely aligned with the U.S., though even the UK has ruled out sending ground troops.
- Trump’s Reaction: President Trump has already threatened Spain with “trade measures” for its base closures. Analysts suggest that if Germany were to follow suit, it could trigger the total collapse of the U.S. security architecture in Europe.
| Country | Base Access for Iran War | Airspace Status | Hormuz Transit Status |
| Spain | DENIED | CLOSED (Mar 30) | “Receptive” Corridor |
| Germany | Granted (via Treaties) | Open | Blockaded / High Risk |
| United Kingdom | Granted (Limited) | Open | Blockaded / High Risk |
| Italy | Granted | Open | Blockaded / High Risk |
Export to Sheets
Tehran’s “Selective” Diplomacy
The AfD’s statement coincides with Iran’s tactical shift toward a “selective passage” regime. By rewarding “non-hostile” nations like Spain with safe transit through the Strait, Tehran is successfully incentivizing European nations to break ranks with Washington. Chrupalla’s speech suggests this strategy is finding fertile ground within Germany’s populist right, where “Energy Security” is being framed as the “mother of all problems.”
