- By Surarika Das
- Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
An internal Pentagon email has highlighted options for the US to take punitive measures against its NATO allies, which it believes to have failed to support the US during the Iran war. The controversial email, as per Reuters, also hinted at the removal of Spain from the alliance and reviewing the position of the US on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands.
The policy suggestions are elaborated in a note expressing frustration at some allies' refusal to grant access to the US' ABO (Access, Basing, and Overflight Rights) for the Iran war, an official said. The email stated that ABO is “just the absolute baseline for NATO,” according to the official, who added that the options were circulating at high levels in the Pentagon.
ALSO READ: US-Iran War And India Moving To E85; Are EVs Really The Future Ahead?
Trump Criticises Allies
US President Donald Trump has lambasted NATO allies for not sending their naval support to open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to global shipping following the start of the air war on February 28.
Spain has been one of the key points of discussion. According to Reuters, its denial to allow US forces to use airbases has made the situation more difficult. America owns significant installations in Spain, for example, Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.
In response to a question about the email, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said, “As President Trump has stated, despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us," CNBC reported.
“The War Department will ensure that the President has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part. We have no further comment on any internal deliberations to that effect,” Wilson added.
What Will Be The Future Of NATO?
Analysts say that the US-Israel-Iran war has raised several questions about the future of the BLOC. Some of them also pointed out the chances that the US might not help its European allies if they were attacked.
According to Britain, France, and others, joining the US naval blockade would be equivalent to entering the war, but they would be willing to assist in maintaining the Strait's openness if a long-term ceasefire or the fight were resolved.