NATO has clarified that its founding treaty does not allow for the suspension or expulsion of member states. The statement follows reports that the United States might seek to penalize Spain over its refusal to support military operations against Iran.
Internal Pentagon documents, cited by Reuters, suggested that the U.S. could punish allies deemed unsupportive of its campaign. One proposed measure included withdrawing American diplomatic support for the United Kingdom’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told the BBC that the Defense Department is exploring options to ensure allies are no longer ‘paper tigers.’ She criticized partners for failing to stand by the U.S. despite decades of American protection.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the reports, stating that his government operates based on official documents rather than leaked emails. He emphasized that Spain remains committed to international law while hosting two major U.S. military bases on its soil.
Tensions within the alliance have spiked following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled NATO a ‘one-way street,’ while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently accused European nations of ‘free riding’ on global security.
Despite the friction, European leaders are calling for unity. Germany has stated that Spain’s membership is not in question, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged allies to strengthen NATO’s European pillar to complement American efforts.
The internal memo also explored the possibility of removing ‘difficult’ countries from key leadership positions within the alliance. However, U.S. officials clarified that there are currently no plans to withdraw from NATO or close European bases.
