Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday (April 24) asserted that Spain remains a “reliable member” of NATO, pushing back against reports that the United States was considering punitive steps, including a possible suspension, over Madrid’s refusal to support military operations against Iran.&nbsp;Speaking during a visit to Cyprus for a European Union summit, Sánchez dismissed concerns triggered by a Reuters report citing an anonymous US official as telling it that the Pentagon had outlined the suspension option in an email looking at ways to punish NATO allies that steered clear of the US-Israeli war against Iran.&nbsp;“Spain is a reliable member within NATO,” Sánchez said, adding that the country is fulfilling all its obligations. “As a result, I am absolutely not worried.”&nbsp;The Spanish leader further underlined that his government responds only to formal positions. “We don’t work on the basis of emails; we work off official documents and the position that the United States government has set out,” he said.&nbsp;The reported Pentagon communication reflects growing frustration in Washington with some European allies for denying access to bases and airspace for operations linked to the Iran conflict. Spain, along with countries such as France and Italy, refused to allow US aircraft to use their territory, widening divisions within the alliance.&nbsp;However, NATO’s founding treaty contains no provision to suspend or expel a member, making any such move legally unclear. The alliance, which operates by consensus among its 32 members, has also maintained that it has no direct operational role in the Iran war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoys-steve-witkoff-and-jared-kushner-head-to-pakistan-for-talks-with-iran-1777052707092">US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for talks with Iran</a>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO partners for not backing Washington’s military campaign and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route disrupted during the conflict.&nbsp;Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in, stressing that NATO unity must be preserved, calling it a “source of strength”.&nbsp;Sánchez reiterated that Spain supports cooperation with allies but only within international law, highlighting deepening strains within NATO as the Iran conflict reshapes transatlantic relations.

Spain, along with countries such as France and Italy, refused to allow US aircraft to use their territory, widening divisions within the alliance.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday (April 24) asserted that Spain remains a “reliable member” of NATO, pushing back against reports that the United States was considering punitive steps, including a possible suspension, over Madrid’s refusal to support military operations against Iran. Speaking during a visit to Cyprus for a European Union summit, Sánchez dismissed concerns triggered by a Reuters report citing an anonymous US official as telling it that the Pentagon had outlined the suspension option in an email looking at ways to punish NATO allies that steered clear of the US-Israeli war against Iran. “Spain is a reliable member within NATO,” Sánchez said, adding that the country is fulfilling all its obligations. “As a result, I am absolutely not worried.” The Spanish leader further underlined that his government responds only to formal positions. “We don’t work on the basis of emails; we work off official documents and the position that the United States government has set out,” he said. The reported Pentagon communication reflects growing frustration in Washington with some European allies for denying access to bases and airspace for operations linked to the Iran conflict. Spain, along with countries such as France and Italy, refused to allow US aircraft to use their territory, widening divisions within the alliance. However, NATO’s founding treaty contains no provision to suspend or expel a member, making any such move legally unclear. The alliance, which operates by consensus among its 32 members, has also maintained that it has no direct operational role in the Iran war. Also Read: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head to Pakistan for talks with Iran US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO partners for not backing Washington’s military campaign and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route disrupted during the conflict. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in, stressing that NATO unity must be preserved, calling it a “source of strength”. Sánchez reiterated that Spain supports cooperation with allies but only within international law, highlighting deepening strains within NATO as the Iran conflict reshapes transatlantic relations.

Spain, along with countries such as France and Italy, refused to allow US aircraft to use their territory, widening divisions within the alliance.

Spain 'reliable' NATO member, PM Sánchez says amid report of US ouster threat

Amid repeated allegations by Trump that NATO is not doing much in supporting United States in its war against Iran, NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute in Washington D.C. on Thursday did agree that "some allies were slow to deliver logistics and other support", to the United States in Iran.&nbsp;He however said that NATO was not informed by the US in advance about the war and it is not "Taking the us leadership for granted."&nbsp;Rutte stressed that "NATO allies are doing everything US is asking", and Europe is providing "massive amount of support."&nbsp;He also said that "Europe is providing fairer share for its conventional defence", a claim that Trump has often challenged.<h2>Trump slams NATO after meeting with Rutte</h2>&nbsp;On Wednesday (April 8), the US President and NATO chief had &nbsp;a closed door conversation in the White House after which Trump took to &nbsp;to Truth Social to blast the alliance. "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote.&nbsp;The vital meeting came amid fears that the POTUS' outrage over NATO allies' steadfast refusal to join his war against Iran could prompt him to pull the United States out of the nearly eight-decade-old alliance. In his signature all-caps post on Truth Social, Trump slammed the alliance and wrote, "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. Then, with no further context: “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”&nbsp;

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that NATO allies are doing everything US is asking, and Europe is providing massive amount of support.

Amid repeated allegations by Trump that NATO is not doing much in supporting United States in its war against Iran, NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte speaking at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute in Washington D.C. on Thursday did agree that "some allies were slow to deliver logistics and other support", to the United States in Iran. He however said that NATO was not informed by the US in advance about the war and it is not "Taking the us leadership for granted." Rutte stressed that "NATO allies are doing everything US is asking", and Europe is providing "massive amount of support." He also said that "Europe is providing fairer share for its conventional defence", a claim that Trump has often challenged. Trump slams NATO after meeting with Rutte On Wednesday (April 8), the US President and NATO chief had a closed door conversation in the White House after which Trump took to to Truth Social to blast the alliance. "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. The vital meeting came amid fears that the POTUS' outrage over NATO allies' steadfast refusal to join his war against Iran could prompt him to pull the United States out of the nearly eight-decade-old alliance. In his signature all-caps post on Truth Social, Trump slammed the alliance and wrote, "NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN," he wrote. Then, with no further context: “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”

NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that "NATO allies are doing everything US is asking", and Europe is providing "massive amount of support."

'Some allies were slow to deliver support': NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure?

The NATO alliance is confronting what analysts describe as its most serious crisis since its establishment in 1949, driven primarily by US President Donald Trump’s anger over European refusal to support American and Israeli military operations related to the war in Iran. Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.<h2>Trump’s Threats and Statements</h2>In a series of escalating remarks this week, the President has declared that US membership in NATO is now "beyond reconsideration," calling the 77-year-old alliance a 'paper tiger'. He also voiced ‘disgust’ that allies like France, Spain, and Italy have not only refused to providing military support for Operation Epic Fury, labeling the conflict potentially illegal under international law. Trump specifically targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mocking the UK’s naval capabilities and stating, "You don't even have a navy... you're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work." These remarks have raised unprecedented concern that the US might not fulfil mutual defence commitments under NATO’s core Article 5.&nbsp;Europe’s response has been cautious. US officials have insisted that NATO “cannot be a one‑way street,” arguing that allies must do more to support collective security. The relationship between Trump and French President Macron collapsed into a "fierce feud" this week after the US President mocked Macron's marriage and mimic his accent, prompting the French leader to publicly dismiss the remarks as "neither elegant nor up to standard."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-massive-war-crime-what-do-iran-s-president-and-us-experts-say-about-trump-s-threat-to-strike-tehran-back-to-the-stone-ages-1775221431536">'Massive WAR CRIME’: What do Iran’s President &amp; US experts say about Trump’s threat to strike Tehran ‘back to the Stone Ages’?</a><h2>European Confidence Tested</h2>Analysts say that for many European governments, NATO’s post‑Cold War role as the linchpin of regional security is no longer taken for granted. Max Bergmann, former State Department official, told Reuters, the alliance was in “the worst place (NATO) has been since it was founded,” highlighting deep apprehension among diplomats and military officials.&nbsp;Some European military figures have begun contemplating defence structures that do not rely on the United States. General François Lecointre, France’s former armed forces chief, was quoted by reuters saying, “NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans."&nbsp;But combined with other barbs aimed at Europeans in recent weeks, Trump's comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the US will not come to help the European allies should they be attacked, whether or not Washington formally walks away.&nbsp;“NATO remains necessary, but Europe must be able to think about it without the United States,” a &nbsp;former French armed forces chief told Reuters.&nbsp;ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-hasn-t-even-started-trump-warns-iran-says-bridges-power-plants-next-what-do-the-geneva-conventions-say-1775223943481"> US hasn’t even started! Trump warns Iran says ‘bridges, power plants next’ — What do the Geneva Conventions say?</a>&nbsp;Legally, a US withdrawal from NATO would face hurdles. A 2023 US law requires a two‑thirds Senate vote to exit the alliance, making unilateral withdrawal difficult. Nevertheless, analysts note that as commander‑in‑chief, the President could choose not to commit US forces to defend allies, which could effectively weaken the alliance without a formal exit.<h2>Implications for Global Security</h2>NATO has faced strains before, including during Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021), when he considered withdrawing from the alliance. His recent remarks add to signs of renewed instability, alongside moves that have unsettled European allies, including threats in January to take control of Greenland and policies seen as accommodating towards Russia, which NATO identifies as its primary security threat.&nbsp;The tensions carry wider implications for global security, given NATO’s central role in deterring Russian aggression. European leaders stress the need to preserve unity, even as Trump’s rhetoric raises questions about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation.

Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.

The NATO alliance is confronting what analysts describe as its most serious crisis since its establishment in 1949, driven primarily by US President Donald Trump’s anger over European refusal to support American and Israeli military operations related to the war in Iran. Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance. Trump’s Threats and Statements In a series of escalating remarks this week, the President has declared that US membership in NATO is now "beyond reconsideration," calling the 77-year-old alliance a 'paper tiger'. He also voiced ‘disgust’ that allies like France, Spain, and Italy have not only refused to providing military support for Operation Epic Fury, labeling the conflict potentially illegal under international law. Trump specifically targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mocking the UK’s naval capabilities and stating, "You don't even have a navy... you're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work." These remarks have raised unprecedented concern that the US might not fulfil mutual defence commitments under NATO’s core Article 5. Europe’s response has been cautious. US officials have insisted that NATO “cannot be a one‑way street,” arguing that allies must do more to support collective security. The relationship between Trump and French President Macron collapsed into a "fierce feud" this week after the US President mocked Macron's marriage and mimic his accent, prompting the French leader to publicly dismiss the remarks as "neither elegant nor up to standard." ALSO READ: 'Massive WAR CRIME’: What do Iran’s President & US experts say about Trump’s threat to strike Tehran ‘back to the Stone Ages’? European Confidence Tested Analysts say that for many European governments, NATO’s post‑Cold War role as the linchpin of regional security is no longer taken for granted. Max Bergmann, former State Department official, told Reuters, the alliance was in “the worst place (NATO) has been since it was founded,” highlighting deep apprehension among diplomats and military officials. Some European military figures have begun contemplating defence structures that do not rely on the United States. General François Lecointre, France’s former armed forces chief, was quoted by reuters saying, “NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans." But combined with other barbs aimed at Europeans in recent weeks, Trump's comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the US will not come to help the European allies should they be attacked, whether or not Washington formally walks away. “NATO remains necessary, but Europe must be able to think about it without the United States,” a former French armed forces chief told Reuters. ALSO READ: US hasn’t even started! Trump warns Iran says ‘bridges, power plants next’ — What do the Geneva Conventions say? Legally, a US withdrawal from NATO would face hurdles. A 2023 US law requires a two‑thirds Senate vote to exit the alliance, making unilateral withdrawal difficult. Nevertheless, analysts note that as commander‑in‑chief, the President could choose not to commit US forces to defend allies, which could effectively weaken the alliance without a formal exit. Implications for Global Security NATO has faced strains before, including during Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021), when he considered withdrawing from the alliance. His recent remarks add to signs of renewed instability, alongside moves that have unsettled European allies, including threats in January to take control of Greenland and policies seen as accommodating towards Russia, which NATO identifies as its primary security threat. The tensions carry wider implications for global security, given NATO’s central role in deterring Russian aggression. European leaders stress the need to preserve unity, even as Trump’s rhetoric raises questions about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation.

Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.

'NATO could be at its weakest since birth': Can Trump deny aid to allies without actually exiting the alliance?

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Spain 'reliable' NATO member, PM Sánchez says amid report of US ouster threat

Some allies were slow to deliver support: NATO Chief succumbs to Trump pressure?

'NATO could be at its weakest since birth': Can Trump deny aid to allies?