NATO: No mechanism to expel member states, including Spain

A NATO spokesperson has stated that its founding treaty does not provide for suspending or expelling member states, amid possible US discussions on pressuring certain allies.

The spokesperson told the BBC that the alliance’s charter “does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership, or expulsion.”

The statement comes following reports suggesting an internal Pentagon email has outlined possible punitive measures against NATO allies that the United States believes did not support its operations in the war with Iran.

A source within the defence department said the Pentagon expressed frustration over some countries’ reluctance to provide territory for troop deployment or airspace for military aircraft.

Among the options discussed are the suspension of Spain’s NATO membership and a reassessment of the US position on the Falkland Islands.

It emphasises that Spain’s suspension would be symbolic and would not affect US military operations, but would serve as a signal to allies about the consequences of insufficient support.

The document does not specify how Washington would seek to push for Madrid’s exclusion.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov