Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Defense has drawn up options to penalize NATO members that did not support Washington in the war with Iran.
Among the options are suspending Spain from NATO and reviewing the U.S. position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
The proposals were outlined in an internal Pentagon email, parts of which Reuters was able to access through a U.S. official.
The memo expressed dissatisfaction with the reluctance or refusal of some allies to provide bases or flight permissions for U.S. operations in the war against Iran.
Other options include suspending countries described as “difficult” from key or prestigious positions within NATO.
The U.S. president had earlier strongly criticized NATO allies for not deploying naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also said he is considering withdrawing from the alliance.
However, the email did not propose a U.S. withdrawal from NATO, nor did it suggest closing American bases in Europe.
Britain and Argentina fought a war over the Falkland Islands in 1982. Around 650 Argentine and 255 British soldiers were killed, and Argentina ultimately surrendered.
Spain has not allowed its bases or airspace to be used for strikes on Iran. The United States operates two major military bases in Spain.
