Germany has played down speculation that Spain could be suspended from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), following reports that a Pentagon email mentioned the possibility.
In response to the claims in Berlin, a German government spokesperson firmly stated that Spain’s membership in the alliance is not under threat.
The spokesperson highlighted that Spain remains a committed NATO member and there is no reason to believe its status will change.
“Spain is a member of NATO. And I see no reason why that should change,” said the Germany Official.
Germany Says Spain Membership Not Under Threat
Earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez downplayed a leaked Pentagon email suggesting Spain could be penalized for not supporting the war in Iran by having its NATO membership suspended.
“No worries, we are fulfilling our obligations toward NATO. The Spanish government’s position is clear: absolute cooperation with our allies, but always within the framework of international law,” Sánchez added.
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The prime minister declined to discuss the specific content of the leaked Pentagon document.
He insisted that Spain does not comment on emails, but rather on official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the United States.
Pentagon Email Reports on Potential Suspension of Spain from NATO
This development follows a Reuters report stating that an internal Pentagon email outlines options for the United States to punish some NATO allies it believes failed to support U.S. operations in the war with Iran.
According to the report, Trump also intends to suspend Spain from the alliance and review the U.S. position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
The policy options are detailed in a note expressing frustration at some allies’ perceived reluctance or refusal to grant the United States access, basing, and overflight rights – known as ABO – for the Iran war. It added that ABO is just the absolute baseline for NATO.
Additionally, the email stated that one option would involve suspending “difficult” countries from important or prestigious positions in NATO.
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In response, a NATO official quoted by Reuters said, “NATO’s Founding Treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership.”
President Donald Trump has harshly criticized NATO allies for not sending their navies to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to global shipping following the start of the air war on February 28, 2026.
