Pentagon is contemplating penalties for NATO, which may include suspending Spain due to the ongoing rift with Iran
An internal Pentagon email details potential measures to penalize NATO allies, including the suspension of Spain due to the conflict regarding Iran.
A US official speaking to Reuters reported on military operations during the war with Iran, highlighting the suspension of Spain from the alliance and a reassessment of longstanding diplomatic positions.
The document, which is being shared among top officials at the Pentagon, shows growing frustration among some in the US defense community about what they see as lack of support from allies during the conflict, particularly regarding access, basing, and overflight rights (ABO).
The email indicates that ABO serves as “the absolute baseline for NATO” and suggests actions directed at nations viewed as uncooperative. One option involves suspending “difficult” allies from important NATO roles, although it fails to provide a clear legal framework for this action.
Nonetheless, a NATO official countered this notion, emphasizing that “NATO’s Founding Treaty does not include any provision for the suspension of NATO membership.”
The proposals arise in the context of increased tensions following the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which commenced on February 28 due to Iran-related escalations in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump has expressed discontent with allies for their lack of naval support to secure the waterway and has raised doubts about the reliability of the alliance, even hinting at a potential withdrawal from NATO.
In an interview conducted on April 1, Trump remarked: “Wouldn’t you if you were me?”
The Pentagon email does not advocate for withdrawal; instead, it captures internal deliberations regarding heightened pressure on allies. The official stated that it also encompasses symbolic measures, such as reassessing US diplomatic stances on contested territories, including the Falkland Islands, which are claimed by both the United Kingdom and Argentina.
The proposal emphasizes Spain’s position on defense spending and its decision to not adhere to Washington’s 5% GDP target, a stance that has faced ongoing criticism from US officials. Spain is home to important US military installations, such as Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the reported discussions, stating prior to an EU summit in Cyprus that Spain is a “loyal partner” to NATO and that the country “does not work off emails but on official policy.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended the administration’s stance, stating that President Trump had emphasized the necessity for allies to “do their part,” and noted that the Department of Defense would provide the president with “credible options.”
“The War Department will ensure that the president has viable options so allies are no longer perceived as ineffective,” Wilson stated.
The memo highlights significant concerns within the alliance regarding cohesion, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cautions that the conflict with Iran has “laid bare” divisions and revealed uncertainties surrounding NATO’s mutual defense commitments.
“We encounter inquiries, obstacles, or uncertainties. An alliance lacks strength if the countries involved are not prepared to support one another in times of need.” Hegseth stated.
Analysts indicate that even the mere discussion of suspension options, despite their legal impossibility, could exacerbate mistrust between the United States and its European allies, further straining the 76-year-old alliance amid global tensions.
