Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized that Spain is a “reliable NATO member”, after information that the US is considering suspending the country’s status as an ally in the alliance.
“Spain is a reliable member of NATO,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the press in Cyprus on April 24, adding that Madrid is fulfilling all of its obligations. “Therefore, I have absolutely no concerns at all.”
Mr. Sanchez commented shortly after the news agency Reuters citing a US official as saying that the Pentagon has an internal email outlining possible measures against allies that do not support US military activities, including targeting Spain.
“We do not act based on emails, but on official documents and the stance of the government, in this case the US,” Prime Minister Sanchez continued. He added that Madrid maintains a stance of “absolute cooperation with allies, but always within the framework of international law”.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at a press conference in Madrid on March 20. Image: AFP
According to an anonymous US official, the Pentagon’s email contained content expressing disappointment at the refusal or hesitation of some NATO allies to grant “the right to access, use bases and fly over airspace” to this country in the war with Iran.
One option calls for suspending “difficult to cooperate” countries from important or prestigious positions in NATO. However, a NATO official said the alliance’s founding treaty “does not contain any provision for suspension of membership”.
“As President Donald Trump said, NATO allies are not with us despite all that America has done for them,” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson commented on the information. “The US Department of Defense will ensure the President has credible options so that allies are no longer ‘paper tigers’ but must do their part.”
US President Donald Trump (right) and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. Image: Reuters
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran, causing Tehran to launch missiles and drones at Tel Aviv and Washington’s bases and infrastructure in many Gulf countries in response. Spain then announced to close its airspace to all US aircraft participating in the campaign against Iran, maintaining the ban on using bases for conflict. Italy and France also acted similarly.
President Trump immediately expressed his dissatisfaction, mocking European allies as “cowards”. US leaders also called NATO a “paper tiger” because the alliance did not participate in efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.