US Considers Suspending Spain from NATO Over Iran War Opposition

Apr 24, 2026

A leaked Pentagon email reveals the United States is considering suspending Spain from NATO and re-evaluating its stance on the British Falkland Islands in retaliation for European allies' refusal to support US military operations against Iran. Spain has denied US access to its airspace and bases for Iran attacks, while the UK initially refused then later authorized use of two British bases for defensive purposes only. President Trump has called NATO a paper tiger and threatened to end all trade with Spain, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the era of free-riding over. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed to global shipping for two months, with Trump criticizing NATO countries as cowards for not helping force it open. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez insists Spain meets all NATO obligations within international legal frameworks, while EU leaders including Italy's Giorgia Meloni and German officials have defended Spain's membership and called for alliance unity.

Pentagon Email Threatening NATO Allies Over Iran War Support

▪An email circulated within the United States Department of Defense laying out potential measures Washington could take against NATO allies over Iran war support.
▪The United States Department of Defense email considers re-evaluating Washington's stance on the British Falkland Islands as a potential measure.

European Leaders' Responses to US Pressure

▪A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK's position on the Falkland Islands is unchanged and sovereignty rests with the UK.
▪A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said pressure does not affect Keir Starmer and Keir Starmer will always act in the national interest.
▪Pedro Sanchez was at an EU leaders' meeting in Cyprus on Friday when asked about the United States Department of Defense email.

US Criticism of European Allies and Demands for Greater Involvement

▪US President Donald Trump said NATO is a paper tiger without the United States.
▪US President Donald Trump slammed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as no Winston Churchill.
▪British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later greenlighted the use of two British bases for what Keir Starmer called defensive purposes.
▪The United Kingdom and Argentina fought a brief war in 1982 over the Falkland Islands after Argentina made a failed bid to take them.
▪US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Europe needs the Strait of Hormuz much more than the United States does.
▪Some 650 Argentinian service personnel died in the 1982 Falklands War before Argentina surrendered.