Internal Pentagon Email Circulates Options for Addressing NATO Allies' Support in Iran Conflict

By Reuters Staff

*Published: 2026-04-24*

An internal Pentagon email describes potential measures the United States could take toward NATO allies that did not provide requested access, basing, and overflight rights—collectively known as ABO—for U.S. operations in the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity to discuss the document.

The email expresses concerns over some allies' decisions regarding ABO requests during the conflict, which began with an air campaign on February 28, the official said. It describes ABO as a "baseline" expectation within NATO, according to the official, and notes that the options were under discussion at senior levels in the Pentagon.

Among the options, the email suggests considering the suspension of "difficult" countries from key NATO positions or roles, the official said. A separate NATO official, asked about the feasibility of suspending a member, stated that "NATO's Founding Treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership." The North Atlantic Treaty, specifically Article 13, allows for a member to withdraw after providing one year's notice, but includes no mechanism for suspension and has no historical precedent for such action.

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized certain NATO allies for not deploying naval forces to assist in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to international shipping following the start of the air war. Trump has also indicated he is evaluating the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal from the alliance.

"Wouldn't you if you were me?" Trump told Reuters in an April 1 interview when asked about the potential for U.S. departure from NATO.

The email does not recommend a U.S. withdrawal from NATO or the closure of U.S. bases in Europe, the U.S. official said. The official declined to confirm whether it addressed a possible reduction in U.S. troop levels in Europe, which some observers have anticipated.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson, asked about the email, issued a statement referencing Trump's remarks: "As President Trump has said, despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us. The War Department will ensure that the President has credible options to ensure that our allies ... do their part. We have no further comment on any internal deliberations to that effect."

The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its second month, has prompted discussions among analysts and diplomats about the alliance's future. Some express concern that the U.S. commitment to defend European allies under Article 5 could be in question.

Britain, France, and other allies have stated that participating in a U.S.-led naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would constitute direct entry into the conflict. They have indicated willingness to contribute to securing the strait following a ceasefire or resolution of the war.

Trump administration officials have described NATO commitments as requiring mutual participation. They have voiced concerns about Spain's decision not to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, maintaining that current levels meet its obligations. The U.S. operates two key facilities in Spain: Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.

The email's options aim to communicate expectations to NATO members, according to the U.S. official summarizing its content. One proposal involves suspending Spain from the alliance, which the email describes as having limited operational impact on U.S. activities but notable symbolic value. The official did not specify the mechanism for pursuing such a suspension.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, responding to reports about the email ahead of an European Union leaders' meeting in Cyprus—where NATO's mutual defense clause was among topics discussed—said: "We do not work off emails. We work off official documents and government positions, in this case of the United States." Sánchez described Spain as a "loyal partner" to NATO.

Sven Biscop, a professor of European defense policy at Belgium's Egmont Institute and Ghent University, said that even if not legally viable, a public suggestion of suspending Spain from defensive commitments would harm alliance cohesion and transatlantic trust. "Already, most European leaders are no longer confident the U.S. would support them in every crisis," Biscop said.

The email also mentions reviewing U.S. diplomatic positions on certain European territories, including the Falkland Islands, which lie near Argentina. The U.S. State Department's website notes that the islands are administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina. Historically, the U.S. has maintained a neutral stance on Falklands sovereignty, recognizing British administration de facto while encouraging dialogue between the UK and Argentina. Argentina's President Javier Milei, who shares political affinities with Trump, has reiterated claims to the islands.

The UK and Argentina fought a war over the Falklands in 1982 after Argentine forces occupied the territory. The conflict resulted in approximately 650 Argentine and 255 British military deaths before Argentina's surrender.

Trump has criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for declining to join the U.S.-led operations against Iran, stating Starmer was "not Winston Churchill" and referring to Britain's aircraft carriers as "toys."

Britain initially denied a U.S. request to use two bases for offensive strikes against Iran but later permitted defensive operations from those facilities to protect regional residents, including British nationals, in response to Iranian counterattacks.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon earlier this month, addressed alliance dynamics amid the conflict: "A lot has been laid bare" by the war with Iran, noting that Iranian missiles with extended range can reach Europe but not the U.S. mainland. "We get questions, or roadblocks, or hesitations ... You don't have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them," Hegseth said.

The details of the email remain unconfirmed beyond the account of the anonymous U.S. official, and the Pentagon has not released the document. NATO and allied governments have emphasized adherence to treaty obligations while navigating the constraints of the current conflict.

*(Word count: 987)*

© 2026 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.