Overview
- Reuters, citing an unnamed U.S. official, reported that an internal Pentagon email listed ways to punish allies that withheld support for the U.S. operation in Iran.
- The ideas included suggesting a suspension of Spain’s NATO membership, reexamining U.S. backing for Britain’s Falklands claim, and steering some countries away from top NATO posts.
- The note complained that several governments refused access, basing and overflight rights, the permissions to use airspace, bases, and flight paths that make military movements possible.
- The Pentagon declined to discuss the email, and a NATO official told the BBC the alliance treaty has no tool to suspend or expel a member state.
- President Trump has berated partners for not sending naval help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened trade measures against Spain, though no NATO penalties have been announced.