Military operations during the war with Iran, including the suspension of Spain from the alliance and a reassessment of longstanding diplomatic positions, according to a US official speaking to Reuters.
The document, described as circulating at senior levels in the Pentagon, reflects growing frustration within parts of the US defence establishment over what it sees as limited allied support during the conflict, particularly regarding access, basing and overflight rights (ABO).
The email reportedly states that ABO represents “just the absolute baseline for NATO,” and proposes measures aimed at countries perceived as uncooperative. One option includes suspending “difficult” allies from key NATO roles, though it does not outline a clear legal pathway for such action.
However, a NATO official pushed back on the idea, noting that “NATO’s Founding Treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership.”
The proposals come amid heightened tensions following the US-Israeli war with Iran, which began on February 28 after Iran-linked escalations in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump has criticised allies for not providing naval support to secure the waterway and has questioned the reliability of the alliance, even suggesting he is considering withdrawal from NATO.
Asked in an April 1 interview, Trump said: “Wouldn’t you if you were me?”
The Pentagon email does not recommend withdrawal, but reflects internal discussions on increasing pressure on allies. According to the official, it also includes symbolic measures such as reviewing US diplomatic positions on disputed territories, including the Falkland Islands, claimed by both the United Kingdom and Argentina.
The proposal also highlights Spain’s defence spending stance and its refusal to meet Washington’s 5% GDP target, a position that has drawn repeated criticism from US officials. Spain hosts key US military facilities, including Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the reported discussions, saying ahead of an EU summit in Cyprus that Spain is a “loyal partner” to NATO and that the country “does not work off emails,” but on official policy.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson defended the administration’s position, saying President Trump had made clear that allies must “do their part,” adding that the Department of Defense would ensure the president has “credible options.”
“The War Department will make sure the President has viable options so allies are no longer seen as ineffective,” Wilson said
The reported memo also underscores broader concerns within the alliance about cohesion, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that the war with Iran had “laid bare” divisions and exposed uncertainty about NATO’s mutual defence commitments.
“We get questions, or roadblocks, or hesitations, You don’t have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them,” Hegseth said.
Analysts say even discussing suspension options despite their legal impossibility could deepen mistrust between the United States and European allies, further straining the 76years old alliance at a time of global tensions.
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