An internal Pentagon email outlines options to pressure NATO allies seen as failing to support US operations in the war with Iran, a US official told Reuters.
The proposals, circulating at senior levels, include suspending Spain from key NATO roles and reassessing US support for the Falkland Islands, administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina.
The aim is to reduce what officials describe as a European “sense of entitlement”. The option to suspend Spain from the alliance would have a limited effect on US military operations but a significant symbolic impact, the email argues.
The move reflects frustration from the administration of Donald Trump over allies’ reluctance to grant access, basing and overflight rights during the conflict.
While Trump has questioned NATO’s future, the email does not propose leaving the alliance, focusing instead on political pressure to push allies toward greater support.
Asked for comment on the email, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson responded: "As President Trump has said, despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us.
"The War 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. We have no further comment on any internal deliberations to that effect," Wilson said.
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the sovereignty of the islands rests with Britain.
"Sovereignty rests with the UK and the islands' right to self-determination is paramount. It's been our consistent position and will remain the case," the spokesperson told reporters on Friday.
"We do not work off emails. We work off official documents and government positions, in this case of the United States," Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said when asked about the report ahead of a meeting of European Union leaders in Cyprus.
Source: commonspace.eu with Reuters
