Because the European NATO countries are behaving differently in the Iran war than Donald Trump would like, the USA is probably considering drastic measures. A country could leave the alliance.
April 24, 2026, 12:17 p.mApril 24, 2026, 12:17 p.m
Julian Alexander Fischer / t-online
The Pentagon is apparently considering expelling Spain from NATO. An internal email from the Ministry of Defense also talks about possible measures against Great Britain, reports the Reuters news agency, which has the email. Accordingly, the options are being discussed at high levels in the Pentagon.
Pete Hegseth at a press briefing at the Pentagon: His ministry is considering expelling Spain from NATO.Image: keystone
This is about a lack of support in the Iran war. Specifically, according to Reuters, the email criticizes the perceived reluctance or refusal of some allies to grant the United States access, stationing and overflight rights – known as ABO – for the war against Iran. This is “merely the absolute basic requirement for NATO”.
One option is to exclude “difficult” countries from important or prestigious NATO positions. The exclusion of Spain is also a possibility. The email says the move would have little impact on the US military, but a significant symbolic effect. How this step could be done is not clear from the email. Ultimately, the USA cannot expel a member on its own initiative.
USA warrants consideration
Reassessing U.S. diplomatic support for longstanding European “colonies” like the Falkland Islands near Argentina is also an option, according to the email. These currently belong to Great Britain, but Argentina continues to claim the area. Its president, Javier Milei, is an ally of Trump.
Kingsley Wilson, Pentagon press secretary, did not dispute the contents of the email. He emphasized: “As President Trump has said, despite everything the United States has done for our NATO allies, they have not been there for us.” The department will ensure “that the President has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and are doing their part. “We will not provide any further comment on internal discussions on this matter.”
The background is the attitude of the NATO countries in the Iran war. The socialist Spanish government had banned the USA from using the two American bases in Spain to attack Iran. Great Britain also initially imposed this ban, but later withdrew it.
Sources used:
- reuters.com: “Exclusive: Pentagon email floats suspending Spain from NATO, other steps over Iran rift, source says” (English/paid)