NICOSIA, Cyprus: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed that Spain remains a “reliable member” of NATO, brushing aside reports that the United States considered punitive measures over Madrid’s refusal to back military operations against Iran.
Speaking during a visit to Cyprus for an EU summit, Sánchez downplayed a media report citing a US official that an internal Pentagon email had explored options including suspending Spain from the alliance.
“Spain is a reliable member within NATO” which is fulfilling all its obligations, Sánchez told reporters in English.
“As a result, I am absolutely not worried,” he said.
The report said the email examined ways to respond to allies that declined to support US-led operations, including restricting access to bases and airspace.
‘We work off official documents’
Sánchez rejected the significance of the reported communication, saying: “We don’t work on the basis of emails, we work off official documents and the position that the United States government has set out in this case.”
There is no provision within NATO’s founding treaty to suspend or expel a member, making such a move legally unclear.
Tensions have grown after several European countries, including Spain, France and Italy, declined to support US military operations linked to the Iran conflict, including denying overflight rights and access to bases.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies over what he described as a lack of support, framing it as a betrayal of alliance commitments.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni urged unity, saying: “NATO must remain united. I believe it is a source of strength.”
Sánchez maintained that Spain’s position reflects “absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the bounds of international law,” as divisions within the alliance continue to deepen ahead of its next summit.
