Nato says there is no provision for member states to be suspended or expelled from the military alliance after a report said the US could seek to suspend Spain over its Iran war stance. Reuters quoted a US official who said an internal Pentagon email suggested measures for the US to punish allies it believed had failed to support its campaign. The email also suggested reviewing the US position on the UK's claim to the Falklands Islands in the South Atlantic, which are also claimed by Argentina. A Nato official told the BBC that the alliance's founding treaty 'does not foresee any provision for suspension of Nato membership, or expulsion.' Spain's leader has also dismissed the report. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson stated that despite 'everything' the US has done for its Nato allies, 'they were not there for us.' She added: 'The War Department [defence department] will ensure that the president has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part.' The BBC has contacted the UK government for comment. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Nato allies for their reluctance to play a greater role after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, and Iran subsequently restricted shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Spain has refused to allow the use of air bases on its territory for attacks on Iran. The US has two military bases in Spain, Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told reporters: 'We do not work based on emails. We work with official documents and official positions taken, in this case, by the government of the United States.' Sánchez added that Spain supported 'full co-operation with its allies, but always within the framework of international law.' Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted that greater involvement in the war or in the current US blockade of Iranian ports is not in the UK's interest. The UK has allowed the US to use British bases to launch strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz, and RAF planes have taken part in missions to shoot down Iranian drones. The UK, France, and others have said they would be willing to keep the Strait of Hormuz—a global oil shipping route—open after a lasting ceasefire or the end of the war.
Nato Dismisses Claims of Expelling Spain Over Iran Stance
Nato Dismisses Claims of Expelling Spain Over Iran Stance
Nato officials clarify that there is no provision for suspending or expelling member states, following reports that the US might seek to take action against Spain due to its refusal to allow military operations against Iran.
After a report suggested that the US might suspend Spain from Nato due to its neutral stance on Iran, NATO officials confirmed there are no provisions for the expulsion of members. The Pentagon indicated discontent with certain allies' support, specifically regarding military involvement in the Iran war. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez strongly refuted the claims, emphasizing cooperation in accordance with international law. Meanwhile, the UK and other European allies continue to negotiate their roles amid growing tensions over Iran.
