Pentagon Reportedly Discusses Possible Measures Against NATO Allies

Senior officials at the United States Department of Defense are reportedly discussing potential punitive options against certain NATO allies that refused to support US military operations in Iran, according to an internal email cited by a US official.

The email is said to outline several options, including removing Spain from NATO and reconsidering the United States’ stance on the Falkland Islands dispute involving the United Kingdom.

The unnamed official said the email expressed frustration with allies that declined to provide access, basing rights, and overflight permissions for US military operations related to Iran. These arrangements are commonly referred to as “access, basing, and overflight” agreements.

The document reportedly describes these permissions as a minimum expectation within NATO cooperation and suggests that countries seen as uncooperative could face consequences, including exclusion from important alliance roles. However, it does not propose the United States leaving NATO or closing its European bases.

Donald Trump has already criticized NATO allies, accusing them of failing to support US efforts related to securing the Strait of Hormuz. He has also previously warned about reassessing US participation in the alliance.

A Pentagon spokesperson, Kingsley Wilson, echoed Trump’s criticism, saying allies had not provided adequate support despite long-standing US commitments to NATO. He added that the defense department is ensuring the president has all necessary options to enforce allied responsibilities, but declined to comment on internal discussions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who opposed US military action in Iran, rejected concerns over Spain’s NATO membership. Speaking at a European Union meeting in Cyprus, he said Spain remains a fully committed NATO member and is not worried about being expelled.

Reports from Agence France-Presse also indicate that France and Italy refused to allow US military aircraft access to their airspace or bases. The United Kingdom initially declined but later allowed limited use for defensive operations.

The reported internal debate highlights rising tensions within NATO over differing levels of support for US-led operations and broader disagreements about military strategy.