Pentagon threatens measures against NATO measures over Iran war dispute

The official revealed to Reuters that an internal email within the Pentagon outlined a range of possible punitive measures against certain NATO countries suspected of not backing U.S. operations. These include suspending Spain’s membership in the alliance and reconsidering Washington’s stance on the Falkland Islands dispute involving the United Kingdom.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the memo circulated at senior levels within the Pentagon reflects frustration over what was described as hesitation by some member states in providing logistical and military support, including access, basing, and overflight rights—referred to in the document as “the minimum required within NATO.”

According to the source, the options also include reducing or suspending the participation of countries described as “difficult to cooperate with” in leadership or influential roles within the alliance’s structure.

These developments come amid rising tensions within NATO over the war with Iran, as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized what he described as some allies failing to do enough, including not deploying naval forces to help secure international shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has also hinted in previous remarks at the possibility of reassessing the United States’ relationship with the alliance, saying in an interview, “Wouldn’t you do that if you were me?”—suggesting a potential withdrawal from NATO.

The official noted, however, that the email does not indicate that the United States will necessarily take such actions, nor does it include a proposal to close U.S. bases in Europe.

The official declined to say whether the options include withdrawing some U.S. forces from Europe, a move many observers expect.

In response to a request for comment on the email, Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said, “As President Trump has stated, despite everything the United States has done for our NATO allies, they have not stood by us.”

Wilson added, “The Department of Defense will ensure the president has credible options to guarantee that our allies are not merely a ‘paper tiger’ (a force that appears strong but lacks real power), but that they fulfill their responsibilities. We have no further comment on internal deliberations.”

Analysts and diplomats say the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has raised serious questions about the future of NATO, which was founded 76 years ago, and sparked unprecedented concern that the United States may not come to the aid of its European allies if they come under attack.

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ANHA