According to Reuters an internal Pentagon email has reportedly outlined a range of potential measures that the United States is considering against NATO allies accused of not providing sufficient support to American military operations during the recent war with Iran.
The report states that the suggested options include unusual and stringent steps, such as suspending Spain from NATO and reviewing the United States’ long-standing position on Britain’s sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands.
A US official speaking on condition of anonymity said the proposals were contained in an internal communication that reflects growing frustration within parts of the Pentagon over the conduct of certain allied nations.
The official explained that the email stressed that granting access to military bases, airspace, and operational support to the United States during the Iran conflict is considered a fundamental requirement of NATO cooperation.
However, several allies were reportedly reluctant to provide such support, a concern that is now being discussed at senior levels within the US defence establishment.
The email also reportedly proposes that NATO members described as “uncooperative” could be removed from key or prestigious positions within the alliance in order to reinforce discipline and improve coordination among member states.
US President Donald Trump has already expressed strong criticism of NATO allies, accusing them of failing to assist in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after it was closed to global shipping following the outbreak of conflict on February 28. The closure significantly disrupted international trade routes.
Trump has also previously indicated in an interview with Reuters that he would not rule out the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO. However the internal Pentagon email does not recommend any such move nor does it suggest closing American military bases in Europe.
The report further notes that discussions regarding a possible adjustment or reduction of US troop presence in Europe are ongoing, although no concrete decisions have been made public.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said that President Trump has repeatedly raised concerns about what he sees as insufficient burden-sharing by NATO allies. She stated that the recent conflict has highlighted that some member states are not meeting their commitments within the alliance.
She added that the Department of Defense will provide the President with “credible policy options” to ensure that allies clearly understand their responsibilities in collective defence while declining to comment further on internal deliberations.
The development comes at a sensitive time for NATO, as the US-Iran conflict has raised broader concerns about the future of the alliance and the reliability of American security commitments in Europe. Analysts warn that trust between the United States and its European partners may be under increasing strain.
Meanwhile, countries such as the United Kingdom and France have stated that they would only support reopening the Strait of Hormuz after a ceasefire or a formal end to hostilities, arguing that immediate involvement could be seen as direct participation in the war.
US officials, however maintain that NATO must function on the principle of shared responsibility, with all member states contributing equally to collective defence efforts. Spain has come under particular criticism for reportedly refusing to allow the use of its airspace and military facilities for operations related to Iran.
The United States operates two major military bases in Spain Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base which play an important role in its regional military strategy.
The internal email is said to aim at sending a clear message to allies that the United States expects a more balanced distribution of defence responsibilities and will no longer shoulder the burden alone. One of the most controversial suggestions reportedly includes the suspension of Spain from NATO, a move described as having major symbolic implications.
The document also raises the possibility of reassessing US diplomatic positions on certain European overseas territories, including Britain’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a long-standing dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina dating back to the 1982 conflict.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also faced criticism from President Trump, who reportedly described him as “cowardly” for not joining US military action against Iran and questioned Britain’s naval strength.
The United Kingdom initially declined US requests to use its bases for offensive operations against Iran but later agreed to allow limited defensive missions aimed at protecting regional stability and safeguarding civilians, including British nationals.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has also commented on the situation stating that the conflict has exposed weaknesses in allied coordination and raised serious questions about NATO’s unity and long-term effectiveness in addressing shared global security challenges.
