Sánchez Defends Spain’s Loyalty Amid U.S. Threats of NATO Expulsion Over Middle East Conflict
NICOSIA, Cyprus – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed on Friday that Spain remains a “reliable member” of NATO. His remarks come in the wake of reports suggesting that the Donald Trump administration is considering drastic measures—including the potential expulsion of Spain—following the country’s refusal to support military operations in the escalating Middle East war.
Leaked Pentagon Plans Reveal Strategic Tensions
The controversy ignited after Reuters cited an anonymous U.S. official regarding an internal Pentagon email. The document reportedly outlined options to “punish” NATO allies that have distanced themselves from the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Read Also: Pentagon Internal Memo Sparks NATO Crisis: U.S. Weighs Retaliation Against Allies Over Iran War
According to the report, the policy options circulating at high levels of the Pentagon include:
- Suspending Spain from prestigious or influential positions within the alliance.
- Reviewing the U.S. position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands as a retaliatory measure for initial hesitation.
- Targeting “difficult” countries that have denied Washington Access, Basing, and Overflight (ABO) rights.
Sánchez: “We Don’t Work Based on Emails”
Speaking to reporters at an EU summit in Cyprus, Sánchez appeared unfazed by the reports. He emphasized that Spain continues to fulfill its institutional obligations to the alliance.
”Spain is a reliable member within NATO which is fulfilling all its obligations,” Sánchez stated. “As a result, I am absolutely not worried.”
The Prime Minister further clarified that his government prioritizes formal communication over leaks: “We don’t work on the basis of emails; we work off official documents and the position that the United States government has set out in this case.” He added that Spain’s stance is one of “absolute cooperation,” provided that actions remain “within the bounds of international law.”
The “Paper Tiger” Debate
President Donald Trump has grown increasingly vocal in his criticism of European allies, labeling NATO a “paper tiger” due to what he perceives as a betrayal. Spain, France, and Italy notably refused to allow U.S. military aircraft to overfly their territories or use their bases for the conflict.
While Britain eventually allowed flights for “defensive” missions, the overall reluctance of European members to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz has strained relations with Washington to a breaking point.
Can a Member Actually Be Expelled?
Despite the aggressive rhetoric from the Pentagon, the legal path to removing a member is nearly non-existent. A NATO official pointed out that the alliance’s founding treaty does not foresee any provision for the suspension or expulsion of a member state.
Looking Ahead
The escalating tension sets a high-stakes stage for the next NATO summit in Turkey, scheduled for July 7-8, where the rift between U.S. military expectations and European legal sovereignty will likely take center stage.