NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declined Friday to engage with reports suggesting the Pentagon might consider disciplinary action against NATO members who don’t back U.S. military operations in Iran.
Spain finds itself potentially targeted after blocking American military forces from utilizing Spanish territory and airspace for Iran-related operations. Spanish officials argue that actions taken by the U.S. and Israel in the Iran conflict violate international law.
Reports indicate the Pentagon may be considering Spain’s suspension from NATO, based on an unnamed U.S. official’s reference to a Defense Department email cited by Reuters.
“Well, we do not work with emails,” Sánchez stated to media during a European Union summit in Cyprus. “We work with official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the government of the United States.”
“The position of the government of Spain is clear: absolute collaboration with the allies, but always within the framework of international legality,” he added.
NATO functions through unanimous agreement among members. The alliance’s charter contains no provisions for removing or suspending any of its 32 nations, though countries can voluntarily withdraw after providing one year’s notice to other members. NATO itself plays no direct part in the Iran conflict beyond protecting member territory.
President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with what he perceives as inadequate support from certain NATO allies regarding American Iran operations and assistance with securing the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Trump has publicly questioned America’s continued participation in the military alliance.
EU foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas expressed confusion about U.S. complaints, noting that Britain and France are spearheading efforts to secure maritime trade in the strait post-conflict.
“When we have had contacts with the American counterparts, then actually their asks for us have been exactly what we are able to offer after the cessation of hostilities,” she explained. “Demining, escorting of ships, all of this that we have been discussing.”
However, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized that America maintains “long-standing arrangements and agreements with European allies on overflight, on basing” that deserve respect, appearing to criticize countries like Spain and France.
Despite Spain’s restrictions on U.S. military activities tied to the Iran situation, American aircraft have operated through other NATO nations’ airspace and utilized U.S. installations in different member countries for conflict-related missions.
Trump has even suggested potential trade restrictions against Spain due to its base and airspace limitations. Additionally, Spain has disappointed allies by not matching their planned defense spending commitments.
