Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has dismissed reports that the Pentagon is considering suspending Spain from Nato over its refusal to support American operations in the Iran war. Speaking at an EU summit in Cyprus, Sánchez said his government works with official documents, not emails, and reiterated Spain's commitment to collaboration within international legality.
The reports, citing an unidentified US official and a Defence Department email, suggest the Pentagon is weighing punitive measures against Nato allies reluctant to back US actions. Spain has denied US forces access to its military bases and airspace for operations related to the Iran war, arguing that US-Israeli actions violate international law.
Nato operates by consensus and has no mechanism to suspend or expel members, though nations can withdraw voluntarily. The alliance itself is not directly involved in the Iran war beyond defending its own territory. Sánchez emphasised Spain's position of absolute collaboration with allies within the framework of international law.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed anger over perceived failures by some Nato members to support US operations and assist in policing the Strait of Hormuz, questioning the value of US membership. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that the UK and France are already leading efforts to secure trade routes after hostilities cease, expressing confusion over US criticism.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte implicitly criticised allies like Spain and France, urging respect for long-standing basing and overflight arrangements. Trump has also threatened to cut trade with Spain over its refusal, while Spain faces broader criticism from allies for not meeting defence spending targets.
