NATO has said there is no legal mechanism to suspend or expel member states from the alliance.
NATO issued the clarification after reports claimed the United States could consider action against Spain over Madrid’s stance on the Iran conflict.
According to reports citing a US official, an internal Pentagon email discussed possible responses toward allies seen as offering limited support for Washington’s military campaign.
A NATO official said the alliance’s founding treaty contains no provision for suspending or expelling any member nation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the report, saying governments act on official policies, not internal emails.
Spain has refused to allow its territory to be used for attacks on Iran. The US operates military facilities at Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base in Spain.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for not doing more during the Iran crisis and wider security operations.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also accused European nations of relying too heavily on American protection, saying the era of “free riding” is over.
The report also mentioned possible reviews of US diplomatic positions on European territorial disputes, including the Falkland Islands.
European leaders quickly defended alliance unity. Italy and Germany both signaled support for Spain’s continued NATO membership.
The latest dispute highlights growing tensions inside NATO over burden-sharing, military commitments, and Washington’s expectations of its allies.
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