An internal Pentagon email outlining potential measures against NATO allies has exposed deepening tensions between the United States and key European partners amid the ongoing war with Iran.
The document, described by a U.S. official, considers steps such as suspending Spain from NATO and reassessing Washington’s stance on the British Falkland Islands, signaling frustration over what American officials view as insufficient allied support.
The proposals come as disagreements intensify over access to bases, airspace, and naval participation tied to U.S. operations in the conflict.
The email reflects mounting anger within the U.S. administration toward countries including Spain and the United Kingdom, particularly over their reluctance to provide basing and overflight rights.
According to the official, the message framed such cooperation as “just the absolute baseline for NATO.”
Spain has refused to allow U.S. attacks on Iran from its territory, while the United Kingdom initially withheld similar permissions before later allowing limited defensive use.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed the significance of the report, stating that Spain remains a committed NATO member and emphasizing adherence to international legality.
A NATO official noted that the alliance’s founding treaty does not include provisions for suspending members, raising questions about the feasibility of such measures.
Despite this, the email suggested that even symbolic actions could carry significant political weight within the alliance.
The proposals also extend beyond NATO structure, including reconsideration of U.S. support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a long-disputed territory claimed by Argentina.
The United Kingdom reaffirmed its position, stressing that sovereignty remains unchanged and rooted in the principle of self-determination.
U.S. officials have publicly criticized European allies, with President Donald Trump urging greater military involvement and warning that NATO risks becoming ineffective without stronger participation.
The Pentagon reiterated these concerns, stating that allies “were not there for us” despite longstanding U.S. commitments.
While the email does not advocate a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or the closure of bases in Europe, it underscores growing divisions that analysts warn could erode trust within the alliance.
The developments reflect a broader reassessment of transatlantic cooperation as the Iran conflict continues to strain diplomatic and military ties.