Pentagon Considers Sanctions Against NATO Allies Over Iran War Support

An internal Pentagon document has revealed potential measures the Trump administration is considering to pressure NATO allies who declined to support U.S. Military operations during the recent conflict with Iran. The options include suspending Spain from NATO membership and reviewing U.S. Support for the United Kingdom’s position on the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

The document, first reported by Reuters, outlines ways to hold allies accountable for denying the U.S. Access to air bases and airspace needed for operations in the Strait of Hormuz region. Spain blocked American warplanes from using the jointly operated Rota naval base and Morón air base and closed its airspace to U.S. Aircraft last month, according to multiple news reports.

According to the Pentagon memo, suspending Spain— which joined NATO in 1982 after the restoration of democracy following Francisco Franco’s dictatorship—would carry limited military impact but serve as a political signal. The document too characterizes the Falkland Islands as “imperial possessions” whose status could be reconsidered as leverage against the UK, which has administered the South Atlantic territory since 1833.

Argentina, led by President Javier Milei—a vocal ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump—continues to assert sovereignty over the islands, which have a population of approximately 3,500 and an economy based on fishing and sheep farming. The UK government has consistently maintained that the islanders’ right to self-determination must be respected, a position reaffirmed following the leak of the Pentagon document.

The memo reflects frustration within the Defense Department over what officials describe as allies’ reluctance to grant access, basing, and overflight rights (ABO), which the Pentagon describes as “the absolute baseline for NATO” cooperation. One option discussed involves placing “difficult” countries in less prominent roles within NATO’s command structure.

While the document does not propose withdrawing the U.S. From NATO or closing European bases, it comes amid repeated public statements by Trump suggesting he may exit the alliance unless allies increase defense spending and support U.S. Initiatives. Congressional approval would be required for any U.S. Withdrawal from NATO, per legislation sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State.

Both Spain and the UK have rejected the characterization of their actions as inadequate. Spanish officials emphasized their continued participation in NATO missions elsewhere, while UK leaders affirmed their commitment to the alliance and the Falklands’ self-governed status.

The Pentagon has not confirmed the authenticity of the memo, and no formal decisions have been announced. Yet, the leak underscores growing transatlantic tensions over burden-sharing, military coordination, and divergent strategic priorities following the Iran conflict.