Reuters: Pentagon discusses suspension of Spain's NATO membership

The United States is considering measures to influence NATO allies who, according to Washington, did not support the operation against Iran, Reuters reports, citing a source among American officials and a document from confidential correspondence within the Pentagon.

In the letter, dissatisfaction is expressed over the refusal or reluctance of several countries to provide access to bases, deployment, and overflight rights necessary for conducting operations. The Pentagon considers such conditions fundamental to the functioning of the alliance, the agency’s source noted.

Among the possible steps being considered are the removal of representatives from 'problematic' countries from key and prestigious positions in NATO and the suspension of Spain’s participation in the alliance, the official stated. The grievances against Madrid, according to the official, are related to its refusal to allow the use of its bases and airspace for strikes on Iran, despite the presence of American facilities in the country — the Rota naval base and the Morón air base.

The letter from the military department also mentions the possibility of revising U.S. diplomatic support on a number of foreign policy issues, including the stance on the Falkland Islands, which are controlled by the United Kingdom but disputed by Argentina.

Separate dissatisfaction in Washington was caused by the position of the United Kingdom. London initially refused to provide two British bases for strikes on Iran, agreeing only later to conduct defensive missions. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to join the operation, calling his actions insufficiently decisive.

At the same time, the document does not suggest a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or the closure of military bases in Europe, although the question of a possible reduction in American military presence remains open, the official claims.

Source: RBC