The North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO has stated that there is no legal provision in its founding treaty that allows for the suspension or expulsion of any member state. The clarification was issued on Friday (April 24, local time), following reports suggesting that the United States might attempt to suspend Spain from NATO.
Earlier, citing a U.S. official, Reuters reported that an internal Pentagon email had outlined several punitive options against NATO allies who were unwilling to support U.S. military operations related to the Iran situation. These options reportedly included the temporary suspension of Spain’s membership and a reconsideration of the U.S. position on the Falkland Islands dispute. However, a NATO official told the BBC that the alliance’s treaty contains no mechanism for suspending or expelling members. Spain’s Prime Minister also dismissed the reports, emphasizing that policy decisions are based on formal positions and official documentation rather than informal communications.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that his government does not operate based on internal emails or unofficial proposals, but rather on established diplomatic and legal frameworks. He further emphasized that Spain supports full cooperation with allies, but only within the boundaries of international law.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that deeper involvement in U.S.-led actions related to Iran or any blockade operations would not align with British national interests. At the same time, it has been reported that the United Kingdom has provided limited operational support through its military bases and has participated in counter-drone activities against Iranian threats.
A German government spokesperson confirmed that there is no question regarding Spain’s NATO membership and that Berlin sees no reason for any change in its status. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for unity among NATO allies, describing the alliance as a crucial pillar of European security.
According to Reuters, internal Pentagon communications reportedly discussed concerns that some NATO allies were unwilling to provide essential support such as airspace access, military bases, and overflight permissions during potential U.S. operations. These refusals were described as falling below the “minimum expectations” of alliance cooperation. The email also reportedly mentioned options to remove non-cooperative countries from key NATO positions, although it did not include any proposal for the United States to leave NATO or shut down its European bases.
Responding to the reports, a Pentagon spokesperson said that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, all possible options are being considered to ensure that NATO allies fulfill their responsibilities, stressing that the alliance must function as a strong and reliable security partnership rather than a symbolic arrangement.
‘No provision’ for expulsion of member; NATO on US proposal to expel Spain
