The Pentagon is exploring options to punish NATO members that it believes have not supported US military operations against Iran, according to a US official quoted by Reuters, citing an internal email.
Among the countries in focus is Spain. The options under consideration include suspending Spain’s membership in the alliance and reviewing the US position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, the official said.
The official added that one of the measures outlined in the email would involve removing “difficult” countries from important or prestigious positions within NATO.
Spain has previously clashed with the Trump administration over its opposition to NATO’s goal of increasing defense spending by 5% at the alliance’s summit in The Hague last year.
US-UK relations have also become strained after President Donald Trump criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming that British military assistance in operations against Iran came too late.
‘Rogue and Obedient’ List
The White House had earlier directed the creation of a list categorizing NATO countries as “rogue and obedient,” according to Politico.
The newspaper said the move “comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump seeks ways to punish allies who have refused to support a war with Iran.” It added that the White House action “represents the latest indication that Trump intends to follow through on his threats against allies who do not comply with his wishes.”
According to two European officials familiar with the plan, the concept could give the United States options to withdraw troop deployments, refrain from joint exercises, or enter into military deals with allies deemed “suitable” while withdrawing such benefits from those deemed “unsuitable.”
Source: agencies+Reuters