DR ‹ › The Trump administration reportedly mulled over the idea of suspending Spain from NATO due to its refusal to back the Israeli-American offensive in Iran, a U.S. official disclosed to Reuters. These strategic considerations, outlined in a memo by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's chief policy advisor, reflect his discontent with some allies' hesitance to grant the United States access, basing, and overflight (ABO) rights for the Iranian operation. «ABO is the bare minimum for NATO,» the source emphasized, adding that potential sanctions against Spain «are being discussed at the highest levels at the Pentagon». Since the offensive began on February 28, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has consistently denied requests for American planes to use Spanish airspace, even those departing from NATO bases in Rota and Morón. When questioned about the feasibility of suspending a NATO member, an Alliance official reminded Reuters that «the founding treaty of NATO does not provide for any provision regarding suspension of membership». This stance was reaffirmed on Friday by a NATO spokesperson, who told the Spanish agency Europa Press that «the founding treaty of NATO contains no provision regarding suspension, exclusion, or limitation of participation». In response, Pedro Sánchez stated today in Cyprus: «We do not work on the basis of emails. We work on the basis of official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the United States government.» President Donald Trump had already hinted in October at the possibility of excluding Spain from NATO, even before the conflict in Iran began. «Spain is lagging. Spain is doing well and has no excuse» for not meeting the 5% defense spending target imposed on all NATO members, he argued, pointing to Spain's strong economic performance, which currently allocates 2% of its GDP to defense.
