Spain responds to reported US plans to punish NATO allies

A Pentagon internal email has reportedly outlined several measures aimed at holding NATO allies accountable for their lack of support during the Iran conflict. Among the proposed actions was the possibility of suspending Spain’s membership in the alliance, though other options were also considered. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed confidence in the country’s stance, stating he was “not worried” following the report that the US was contemplating expelling Spain from NATO due to its refusal to assist in American military operations against Iran.

“We do not work off emails. We work off official documents and government positions, in this case of the United States,” Sánchez told reporters ahead of an EU leaders summit in Cyprus. “The Spanish government’s position is clear — absolute cooperation with the allies, but always within the framework of international legality.”

According to a US official quoted by Reuters, the email highlighted actions targeting NATO members deemed uncooperative. These included reviewing the US stance on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, a move that could signal a shift in alliance dynamics. Spain, along with Italy and France, had withheld permission for US aircraft to use its bases or airspace in the Iran war, sparking tensions with Washington.

NATO’s decision-making process relies on consensus, meaning a suspension would require broad agreement. A German government spokesperson clarified that Spain’s membership was not under threat, reiterating, “Spain is a member of NATO. And I see no reason why that should change.” Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of unity, stating, “NATO must remain united. We must work to strengthen NATO’s European pillar … which must clearly complement the American one.”

The controversy echoes President Donald Trump’s longstanding criticism of NATO allies who did not commit to the war effort. He questioned the value of US involvement in the alliance and called for stronger European participation. During a press briefing in Cyprus, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted the UK and France had taken the lead in addressing trade issues after the war, suggesting US demands had been met with “exactly what we are able to offer.”

“After the cessation of hostilities, demining, escorting of ships, all of this that we have been discussing. So I don’t understand if we are actually replying to their requests,” Kallas remarked.

Department of Defense press secretary Kingsley Wilson echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating, “Despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us.” He added that the Pentagon would ensure the President had “credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do part.” The email, however, did not suggest withdrawing from NATO or closing military bases in Europe. Instead, it aimed to send a message about European “sense of entitlement,” as per the source.

The proposal also included revisiting the US support for the UK’s Falkland Islands claim, following the UK’s initial reluctance to allow US aircraft to use its facilities during the conflict. London eventually permitted “defensive” missions, but the review could still impact relations. A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that the sovereignty of the islands was Britain’s responsibility, asserting, “We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falkland Islands.”