NATO officials on April 25 affirmed that there is no mechanism to suspend or expel a member state, amid reports that the US is considering sanctions against Spain. This statement was made after a report on the Pentagon considering sanctions options for allies believed to be uncooperative in the campaign against Iran.
An unnamed NATO official said that the treaty establishing the bloc has no provisions related to suspending membership. A similar message was also confirmed by other sources, refuting the possibility of Madrid changing its position in the alliance.
Previously, an internal Pentagon email was said to have mentioned options to put pressure on some allies, including suspending "uncooperative" countries. This content reflects Washington's disappointment when some countries do not allow the use of military bases or airspace to serve operations in Iran.
Spain is in the group of countries mentioned for refusing to allow the US to use air bases on its territory, although Washington maintains two military facilities in this country. Responding to the information, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that Madrid is acting based on official documents and international law, and affirmed that Spain is a "credible" member of NATO.
Many European leaders also spoke out in support of Madrid. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten affirmed that Spain is a full member of NATO and that will not change. Germany also said that there is no reason to reconsider the issue of this country's membership.
The US side did not confirm details about the email, but Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson said that the Department of Defense will ensure that the president has appropriate options to ask allies to fulfill their obligations. This view is accompanied by criticism that partners have not been side by side when Washington needs to.
Tensions in NATO increased after the US and Israel launched an offensive against Iran, leading to a reaction from Tehran and disrupting the global energy market. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the level of involvement of allies, saying that the alliance is operating in an asymmetrical direction.
