Ask Onix
Nato confirms no mechanism to suspend or expel members
Nato has clarified that its founding treaty contains no provisions for suspending or expelling member states, following reports that the US was considering punitive measures against allies over their support in the Iran conflict.
US internal memo suggests retaliatory measures
An internal Pentagon email, cited by Reuters, outlined potential US responses to allies perceived as insufficiently supportive of its military campaign. The memo reportedly included reviewing diplomatic backing for the UK's claim to the Falkland Islands, a territory also claimed by Argentina.
A US official told Reuters the email did not propose US withdrawal from Nato or closing European bases but suggested reassessing access, basing, and overflight rights (ABO) for allies deemed uncooperative.
Spain and UK respond to allegations
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the report, stating Spain operates based on official documents, not internal emails. He reaffirmed Spain's commitment to cooperation within international law but reiterated its refusal to allow US attacks on Iran from Spanish air bases.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that deeper involvement in the conflict or the US blockade of Iran is not in Britain's interest. The UK has permitted US strikes from British bases and participated in missions to intercept Iranian drones.
"We do not work based on emails. We work with official documents and official positions taken, in this case, by the government of the United States."
Pedro Sánchez, Spanish Prime Minister
Allies push back against US criticism
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Nato allies for their limited role in the conflict, accusing them of treating the alliance as a "one-way street." The Pentagon email described ABO rights as the "absolute baseline" for Nato cooperation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged unity among Nato members, calling the alliance a "source of strength" during an EU summit in Cyprus. Germany also reaffirmed Spain's membership, stating no grounds exist to question it.
Falklands dispute resurfaces amid tensions
The Pentagon memo reportedly suggested revisiting US support for the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina. The islands, a British overseas territory, have been a longstanding point of contention, including a 1982 war between the UK and Argentina.
Other proposed measures in the email included excluding "difficult" countries from key Nato positions, though no details were provided.
Pentagon defends stance on allies
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson stated the US had done "everything" for its allies but accused them of failing to reciprocate. She indicated the Defense Department would present the president with options to ensure allies "do their part."
"The War Department will ensure that the president has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger."
Kingsley Wilson, Pentagon Press Secretary
