A leaked Pentagon email details potential punishments for NATO allies deemed unsupportive of US policy toward Iran, including suspension of Spain’s membership.
Possible Consequences for “Difficult” Allies
An internal Pentagon email outlines options for penalizing NATO allies who, according to the document, did not support US actions in a potential war with Iran. These options include suspending Spain’s membership in the Alliance and reconsidering the US position on the UK’s claim to the Falkland Islands, Reuters reported Friday.
The policy options were detailed in a memo expressing frustration with the unwillingness or refusal of some allies to grant the United States access, basing, and overflight rights for a potential war with Iran, according to an anonymous official who spoke with the news agency.
Access, Basing, and Overflight Rights are “Fundamental”
The email reportedly states that access, basing, and overflight (ABO) rights are “the absolute bedrock for NATO.” The memo is circulating at high levels within the Pentagon.
Spain’s Membership and NATO Positions
According to the official, one option in the email proposes suspending “difficult” countries from holding important and prestigious positions within NATO.
Criticism of Allies and Trump’s Stance
President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for not sending warships to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to international shipping after the start of air warfare on February 28th. He also stated he was considering withdrawing the US from the Alliance.
“Would you do that?” Trump asked Reuters on April 1st in an interview, responding to a question about the possibility of a US exit from NATO.
No Immediate Alliance Withdrawal Planned
However, the official stated the email does not suggest the United States should leave the Alliance, nor does it propose closing bases in Europe. The official declined to comment on whether the options include a widely anticipated partial US troop withdrawal from Europe.
Pentagon Response
Responding to a request for comment on the email, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, referencing President Trump’s statements, said, “Despite everything the United States has done for our NATO allies, they have not stood with us.”
“The Department of War will ensure the President has credible options that will allow our allies to stop being a paper tiger and instead play their role. We have no further comment on internal deliberations in this matter,” Wilson stated.
Analysts’ Concerns About NATO’s Future
Analysts and diplomats believe the potential US-Israel war with Iran has raised serious questions about the future of the 76-year-old bloc and generated unprecedented concerns that the US may not come to the aid of European allies if attacked.
“NATO Cannot Be a One-Way Street”
Great Britain, France, and other countries argue that joining a US naval blockade would be equivalent to entering a war, but are prepared to help maintain the opening of the Strait if a lasting ceasefire or end to the conflict is achieved.
However, Trump administration officials emphasized that NATO cannot be a “one-way street.” They expressed frustration with Spain, whose socialist leaders have declared they will not allow the use of its bases or airspace for attacks on Iran. The United States has two important military bases in Spain: Rota Naval Station and Moron Air Base.
Aiming to Pressure Allies
The options presented in the email are intended to send a strong signal to NATO allies, weakening the European perception that “they are entitled,” the official summarized. The email assessed that suspending Spain’s membership in the Alliance would have limited impact on US military operations, but significant symbolic weight.
The official did not disclose how the United States could take action to suspend Spain’s membership in the Alliance, and Reuters was unable to determine if a mechanism for such action exists within NATO.
Concerns About European Defense
In early April, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said a war with Iran “revealed a lot,” noting that Iranian long-range missiles cannot reach the United States, but can reach Europe. “We have questions, obstacles, and hesitations. There’s no point in building a strong Alliance if countries don’t want to stand with us when we need them,” Hegseth said. (PAP)