US considers suspending Spain from NATOUS considers suspending Spain from NATO over Iran war base refusal
Leaked Pentagon emails reveal the United States is discussing suspending Spain from NATO after Madrid refused to allow US aircraft to use its bases during the war against Iran. The internal correspondence, reported by Reuters on April 24, 2026, also mentions punishing other uncooperative allies by removing them from key NATO posts. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed the reports during an EU summit in Cyprus, calling Spain a reliable NATO member that meets its obligations.
This development highlights deepening tensions within NATO amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, as President Trump criticizes allies for not supporting American operations. Experts note that suspending a member would require unanimous NATO approval, making it highly unlikely. Sanchez expressed hope for de-escalation in the Iran war, signaling potential rifts in alliance unity.
US Administration
Allies like Spain failed to support US military needs in the war against Iran by denying base access and overflight rights. Internal Pentagon discussions explore options such as suspension from NATO and removal from key alliance positions to address this lack of reciprocity. President Trump has emphasized that NATO partners must contribute when the US calls for help.
Spanish Government
Spain remains a reliable NATO member that fulfills all its obligations, including deploying troops to Europe's eastern flank. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed leaked email reports as unofficial and stressed working with formal US positions. He called the Iran war a mistake and hopes for quick de-escalation.
- Spain hosts two critical U.S. military bases—Rota and Morón—that serve as strategic hubs for NATO operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- NATO's founding treaty contains no provision for suspending or expelling members; any removal would require amending the treaty with unanimous approval from all 32 members.
- Pedro Sánchez became Spain's longest-serving prime minister since the country's 1978 transition to democracy, giving him significant political standing in EU-NATO disputes.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
