The Pentagon is actively considering suspending Spain from NATO as part of an effort to pressure countries that have refused to support U.S. operations in the war against Iran.
According to an internal memo reported by Reuters. the Pentagon has outlined options to penalize countries seen as falling short of alliance obligations.
This includes limiting U.S. access to military bases, airspace, and overflight rights, described in the memo as “the absolute baseline for NATO.”
Among the measures under review is removing such countries from key alliance roles, with Spain specifically cited as a potential target.
Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sacnhez has repeatedly declined to allow its territory to be used for offensive operations against Iran.
The country hosts several major U.S. military installations, including the naval base at Rota and the air base at Morón.
The proposals are being weighed at senior levels within the Pentagon and reflect mounting fangern Washington over what officials view as insufficient support from some NATO allies during a major conflict.
U.S. officials have also raised the possibility of reassessing diplomatic backing for certain European territorial claims, including the British-controlled Falkland Islands, as part of a wider pressure strategy.
The North Atlantic Treaty does not include a formal mechanism for expelling member states, meaning any suspension would likely be limited in scope and largely symbolic.
Sánchez downplayed the reports and repeated his mantra of following so-called “international law.”
“We don’t base our decisions on emails; we base them on official documents and government positions, in this case of the United States,” Sánchez said.
“The Spanish government’s position is clear: full cooperation with our allies, but always within the framework of international law.”
He added that Spain is “fulfilling its responsibilities without fail” and remains a “loyal partner” within NATO.
PResident Trump recently cut off all trade ties with Spain.
“Spain has absolutely nothing that we need,” he said shortly after the war broke out.
“We’re gonna cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything to do with Spain.”
Several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, have also imposed limits on the use of their territory for U.S. operations.
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