The Leaked Pentagon Email: A Symbolic Threat to NATO Unity

In a development that has sent shockwaves through transatlantic relations, a leaked internal email from the Pentagon has revealed considerations for suspending Spain from key roles within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The document, prepared by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's top policy adviser, outlines punitive measures against allies deemed insufficiently supportive in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. This escalation comes amid heightened tensions over Spain's refusal to grant the United States access to its military bases and airspace for operations targeting Iranian targets.

The email explicitly labels access, basing, and overflight rights (ABO) as the "absolute baseline for NATO," expressing frustration that European allies, particularly Spain, have blocked these essentials. While the proposals do not advocate for a full U.S. withdrawal from the alliance or base closures, they suggest symbolic gestures like barring "difficult" nations from prestigious NATO positions to curb a perceived "sense of entitlement" among Europeans.

Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson responded to inquiries about the leak, stating, "The War Department will ensure that the President has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part." This rhetoric underscores the Trump administration's long-standing grievances with NATO burden-sharing.

Background: The Iran War and Spain's Firm Stance Against Involvement

The conflict traces back to February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched an air campaign against Iran, prompting Tehran to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. This chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes, has triggered energy price spikes across Europe, exacerbating economic pressures. Spain, under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, quickly distanced itself, condemning the strikes as an "illegal war" and denying U.S. forces permission to use the strategically vital Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.

These facilities, home to U.S. destroyers, submarines, and aircraft, are governed by bilateral agreements that require Spanish approval for offensive operations. Madrid relocated 15 U.S. aircraft, including refueling tankers, from the bases shortly after the war's onset and later closed its airspace to any planes involved in Iran strikes. Sánchez framed this as adherence to international law, stating Spain supports allies "always within the framework of international legality."

Spain's position aligns with its historically cautious foreign policy, influenced by domestic politics. As one of NATO's lowest defense spenders at 2.1% of GDP—short of the alliance's 5% target agreed at the 2025 Hague summit—Madrid argues that capability contributions suffice over raw spending.

Decoding the Pentagon's Proposed Retaliations

Beyond NATO suspension, the email floats reviewing U.S. diplomatic backing for Britain's Falkland Islands claim amid tensions with Argentina. President Javier Milei of Argentina has seized on this, declaring efforts to reclaim the "Malvinas" are progressing "like never before." A UK spokesperson reaffirmed London's sovereignty stance, highlighting potential ripple effects across alliances.

Other ideas include broader reassessments of U.S. support for European "imperial possessions," signaling a willingness to leverage geopolitical disputes. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly lamented, "You don't have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them."

These measures aim for symbolic pressure rather than operational disruption, as U.S. bases in Spain remain open for non-Iran-related activities. However, the leak's timing, just before an EU leaders' summit in Cyprus and NATO discussions, amplifies its diplomatic weight.

NATO's Clear Rebuttal: No Legal Path to Expulsion

NATO officials swiftly clarified that the alliance's founding treaty—the North Atlantic Treaty—contains no provisions for suspending or expelling members. "The alliance's founding treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership, or expulsion," a spokesperson emphasized. Article 13 allows voluntary withdrawal with one year's notice, but forcible removal requires consensus, which is unattainable here.

Experts like Dr. Patrick Bury, a former British Army captain, note precedents such as France and Spain denying bases during 1986 U.S. strikes on Libya. Without a NATO invocation or territorial threat from Iran, allies retain sovereignty over basing decisions.

• NATO operates by consensus; unilateral U.S. action is impossible.
• Article 5 mutual defense applies only to attacks on members, not external wars.
• Symbolic suspensions from committees lack treaty basis.

A German spokesperson reinforced, "Spain is a member of NATO. And I see no reason why that should change."

Pedro Sánchez's Defiant Response

Addressing the controversy ahead of NATO engagements, Sánchez dismissed the email: "We do not work off emails. We work off official documents and government positions." He portrayed Spain as a "reliable" and "loyal partner," pledging cooperation within legal bounds. Domestically, this bolsters Sánchez's Socialist base, wary of entanglement in Middle East conflicts echoing Iraq 2003.

Spain highlights its contributions: hosting U.S. assets, participating in NATO missions, and aiding Strait patrols post-ceasefire. Critics argue this masks fiscal conservatism, with defense budgets strained by economic recovery.

Trump's Broader Crusade Against NATO 'Freeloaders'

President Trump has amplified the rift, calling NATO a "one-way street" and questioning withdrawal in a Reuters interview: "Wouldn't you if you were me?" He lambasted UK PM Keir Starmer as "no Winston Churchill" and derided British carriers as "toys." Earlier threats included severing trade with Spain, potentially costing billions in exports like olive oil and autos.

Trump's March 3 ultimatum followed Spain's base denial, echoing past tariff wars. Pentagon chief Hegseth urged Europe: "They need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do... get a boat."

Positions of Other European Allies

Spain isn't alone in reticence. The UK permits U.S. basing but avoids full war entry; France and Italy echo legality concerns. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni calls for a stronger "European pillar" in NATO. Post-ceasefire, allies offer Hormuz patrols, prioritizing energy security over escalation.

Germany affirms Spain's status; Portugal and others quietly assist. This patchwork reveals NATO's limits outside collective defense.

Legal and Practical Barriers to Suspension

NATO's structure precludes expulsion without amendment. Historical debates over Turkey confirm no clear mechanism; consensus vetoes any move. Symbolically sidelining Spain from commands would require ally buy-in, unlikely amid U.S. isolationism.

Operationally, Rota/Morón alternatives exist but at higher cost, per U.S. analyses.

Economic Ripples: Trade Threats and Energy Chaos

Trump's trade embargo threat endangers Spain's €30B+ U.S. exports. Hormuz closure has oil at €120/barrel, hitting Europe hardest—Germany's factories idle, Spain's tourism falters. EU diversification to Norway/Qatar accelerates.

Shadow Over NATO Summit and Transatlantic Future

Upcoming summits loom large; Spain resists 5% spending, risking deadlock. Experts warn of eroded deterrence vs. Russia, as Iran missiles reach Europe but not U.S. soil.

Outlook: Patch repairs via burden-sharing talks, but Trump's term tests alliance resilience. Europe eyes strategic autonomy.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Path Forward

U.S. hawks decry freeloading; Europeans stress sovereignty. Solutions: Phased spending hikes, legal basing pacts, Hormuz coalition. Spain's defiance spotlights NATO's post-Cold War evolution.

Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash