EditPentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO and reviewing U.S. backing for UK Falklands claim
The leaked memo outlines options for punishing NATO allies seen as insufficiently supportive during the U.S.-Israel war with Iran
An internal Pentagon email has outlined options for punishing NATO allies seen as insufficiently supportive during the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, including suspending Spain from the alliance and reassessing Washington’s longstanding diplomatic support for Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, a U.S. official told Reuters.
The proposals reflect deep frustration in the Trump administration over allies’ reluctance to grant U.S. forces access, basing and overflight rights – known as ABO – which the email describes as “just the absolute baseline for NATO.” The memo argues the measures would help reduce what it calls a European “sense of entitlement,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Focus on Spain: suspension proposal and its limits
A specific option in the email calls for suspending Spain from the alliance. The memo acknowledges that such a step would have only a “limited effect on U.S. military operations” but would carry “significant symbolic impact,” according to the official.
The U.S. has two major bases in Spain – Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base – and has been irritated by Madrid’s refusal to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP, as well as its hesitation on ABO requests tied to the Iran conflict. Spain has also declined to join a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that such action would amount to entering the war.
Is suspension feasible?
NATO’s founding treaty contains no legal provision for suspending or expelling a member. A NATO official confirmed to Reuters: “NATO’s Founding Treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership.”
Any move would therefore be political and informal – potentially involving exclusion from key committees, operations, or decision-making bodies – rather than a formal revocation of membership. Analysts say even a public threat would be highly damaging.
“It would be gravely damaging to the alliance and further damage trust between Europe and the United States,” said Sven Biscop, professor of European defence policy at Belgium’s Egmont Institute. “Already, most European leaders are no longer confident the U.S. would support them in every crisis … What Trump is doing makes no sense for America’s interests.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez played down the report ahead of an EU leaders’ meeting in Cyprus. “We do not work off emails. We work off official documents and government positions,” he said, describing Spain as a “loyal partner” to NATO.
UK rejects any questioning of Falklands sovereignty
The Falklands reference in the email is viewed as a direct jab at the UK, one of America’s closest allies. Britain fought a 1982 war with Argentina over the islands – which Argentina calls the Malvinas – resulting in 255 British and 650 Argentine deaths. The U.S. has historically backed the UK position that the islands’ inhabitants have the right to self-determination.
A spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a firm rebuttal:
“We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falkland Islands. It is long-standing, it is unchanged. Sovereignty rests with the UK and the islands’ right to self-determination is paramount. It’s been our consistent position and will remain the case.”
The spokesperson added that Britain has made this position “clearly and consistently” known to successive U.S. administrations. Asked whether the suggestion was intended to pressure Starmer into deeper involvement in the Iran conflict, the spokesperson said the prime minister would always act in Britain’s national interest.
At least the email does not propose U.S. withdrawal from NATO or the closure of European bases, though President Trump has publicly criticised allies for not sending naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and has even floated leaving the alliance.
With Reuters, edited by g.g.
Caption: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives for an informal meeting of EU Heads of State or Government in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, 23 April 2026. EU leaders are expected to address current geopolitical developments and Europe’s response to them. EPA/GEORGE CHRISTOFOROU
Updated: April 24, 2026 - 14:55
