Internal email from the Pentagon describes options for the United States to punish allies of NATOwho, in their estimation, did not support U.S. operations in the war with Iran.
These include suspending the participation of Spainin the alliance and a reconsideration of the US stance towards Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, according to a US official speaking to Reuters.
The policy choices are outlined in a memo expressing frustration at the perceived unwillingness or refusal of some allies to grant the US access, base and overflight rights – known as ABOs – for the war in Iran, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The email said ABOs are a “basic requirement for NATO,” according to the official, who added that options are being circulated at high levels at the Pentagon.
One of the options calls for removing “difficult” countries from important or prominent positions in NATO.
Donald Trump has strongly criticized NATO alliesfor not sending naval forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to international navigation after the war began on Feb. 28.
He has also said he is considering leaving the alliance.
“Wouldn’t you do the same if you were in my position?” Trump told Reuters in an interview on April 1, responding to a question about whether the US could withdraw from NATO.
However, the email does not suggest such a move, according to the official. It also does not suggest closing bases in Europe. The official declined to say whether the options included a broad reduction of U.S. forces in Europe.
Asked about the email, Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson said: “As President Trump has said, despite everything the United States has done for its NATO allies, they have not stood by us. The Department of Defense will ensure that the president has credible options so that allies are no longer ‘paper tiger’ but do their duty. We have no further comment on internal discussions on this issue,” he added.
“Sense of entitlement” in Europe
The war has raised serious questions about the future of NATO.Britain, France and other countries say that participating in the US naval blockade would be tantamount to participating in the war, but that they would be willing to help open the Straits after a lasting ceasefire or end to the conflict.
However, Trump administration officials stress that NATO cannot operate unilaterally.
They have expressed particular displeasure with Spain, where the socialist government has said it will not allow its bases or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran. The US maintains two major military bases in Spain: the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base.
What is said in the email is intended to send a strong message to NATO allies. The possibility of Spain’s suspension from the alliance would have limited operational impact for the US, but significant symbolic significance, the email said. The official did not specify how the US could make such a move, and Reuters was unable to immediately ascertain whether there is a mechanism in NATO to do so.
The Falklands
The memo also includes the option of reconsidering US diplomatic support for long-standing European “imperial possessions”, such as the Falkland Islands near Argentina.
According tthe US State Department, the islands are administered by the UK but are still claimed by Argentina, whose liberal president Javier Millay is a Trump ally.
Trump has repeatedly insulted British Prime Minister Kir Starmers, calling him a coward for his refusal to join the war with Iran, saying he is “not Winston Churchill” and describing British aircraft carriers as “toys.”
Britain initially did not approve a US request to use two of its bases for attacks on Iran, but later agreed to defence missions to protect residents of the region, including British citizens, amid Iranian retaliation.
Talking to reporters at the Pentagon earlier this month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said “a lot has been revealed” by the war with Iran, noting that Iran’s long-range missiles cannot hit the U.S. but can reach Europe.
“We receive questions, obstacles or hesitations … You don’t really have an alliance when there are countries that are not willing to stand by you when you need them,” he said.
Sanchez on Pentagon email: We only operate on the basis of documents and official positions
We do not operate on the basis of emails, but on the basis of documents and official positions, was the response of Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, regarding the Reuters report, that an internal Pentagon email is exploring the possibility of suspending Spain’s membership in NATO, in order to send a message to allied countries that appear reluctant to help the US in the war against Iran.
The Pentagon email outlines options for the United States to “punish” NATO allies that, in its estimation, have not supported US operations in the war with Iran. In addition to suspending Spain’s participation in the alliance, a change in the U.S. stance toward Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands is being considered, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters.
