According to an unconfirmed media report from Reuters, a message is circulating in the Pentagon proposing measures against “difficult” NATO members who did not support the US military in the war against Iran. In the case of Spain, a suspension of membership in the defense alliance is mentioned.
No mechanism for expelling a NATO member
At NATO headquarters in Brussels, the relevance of the alleged considerations in Washington was downplayed. “The NATO founding treaty does not provide for any provisions for suspension of membership or exclusion,” said a spokesman.
But even if this were different, Spain probably wouldn’t have to worry. Hardly any other Ally would probably agree to an exclusion process – also because Spain’s armed forces are among the largest in NATO. It is conceivable, however, that the USA will use its influence to prevent Spain and other allies that are “difficult” from the US perspective from occupying important top positions in the alliance in the future.
Madrid: War against Iran illegal
The government in Madrid has criticized the US-Israeli war against Iran as “illegal” and has banned the US from using joint military bases in the south of the country to attack Iran and closed its airspace to US military aircraft taking part in attacks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
But according to the report, consequences are also being considered for London: The Pentagon message considers reconsidering the USA’s previously pro-British stance on Argentina’s claim to the Falklands in the South Atlantic. London initially banned the use of military bases for attacks on Iran, but then allowed it. Trump had criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer several times for this.
When asked about the reports from the USA, a British government spokesman said that London’s position on the Falkland Islands “could not be clearer”. Sovereignty lies with the United Kingdom and the right to self-determination is of the utmost importance. The spokesman pointed out that the Falkland Islands had voted “overwhelmingly” to remain an overseas territory. The United Kingdom will not allow itself to be put under pressure.
(sda/dpa)