Pentagon Weighs NATO Discipline as U.S. Allies Falter Over Iran Conflict

The Pentagon is contemplating punitive actions against NATO allies whom it perceives as not adequately supporting U.S. operations against Iran, as revealed by an internal email. Potential measures include suspending Spain from NATO, according to the email, which was prepared by top Pentagon official Elbridge Colby.

The email suggests various policy options due to frustrations over some allies' hesitance or refusal to allow U.S. access to airspace and basing rights, essential for operations in the Iran conflict. These options have been circulating within Pentagon's high echelons, a U.S. official told Reuters.

While President Trump has openly criticized allied nations and hinted at broader actions like a potential NATO withdrawal, the email stops short of proposing such steps, emphasizing solutions aimed at reducing European reliance on U.S military support.

(With inputs from agencies.)