The Pentagon has reportedly floated the idea of suspending Spain from NATO and punishing other allies over perceived lack of support in the Iran war, according to an unidentified US official cited by Reuters. The report, based on a US Defense Department email, suggests that Spain's refusal to grant US forces access to its military bases or airspace for operations related to the conflict has infuriated President Donald Trump.
Spain's Stance
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the report at an EU summit in Cyprus, stating: "We do not work with emails. We work with official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the government of the United States." He reiterated Spain's position of "absolute collaboration with the allies, but always within the framework of international legality." Spain argues that US-Israeli actions in the Iran war contravene international law.
NATO's Limitations
NATO operates on consensus and its founding treaty lacks a mechanism for suspending or expelling members, though nations can withdraw voluntarily with a year's notice. The alliance has no direct role in the Iran war beyond defending its own territory.
US Frustrations
Trump has repeatedly expressed anger over what he perceives as a failure by some NATO members to back American actions in the Iran war and assist in policing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route. He has questioned the value of US membership in the alliance and threatened to cut trade with Spain over its refusal.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas appeared perplexed by the criticism, noting that the UK and France are already leading efforts to secure trade in the strait after hostilities cease. "When we have had contacts with the American counterparts, then actually their asks for us have been exactly what we are able to offer after the cessation of hostilities," she said, citing demining and ship escorting.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte implicitly criticized allies like Spain and France, stressing that "long-standing arrangements and agreements with European allies on overflight, on basing" should be respected. While Spain has restricted US military activity, other NATO allies have allowed US warplanes to use their airspace and bases for similar operations.
Spain has also drawn criticism from allies for not committing to defence spending targets.
