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Pentagon Email Discusses Measures Against Reluctant NATO Allies on Iran Support
An internal Pentagon email proposes punishing NATO allies, including suspending Spain and reviewing U.S. stance on the Falkland Islands, due to insufficient support in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The options aim to address allies' reluctance on access, basing and overflight rights. Officials and allies responded to the revelations amid ongoing tensions.
Apr 24, 6:55 AM·2m read2 sources
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U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The email expresses frustration at some NATO allies' reluctance or refusal to grant the United States access, basing and overflight rights for the war with Iran, the official said.
It describes ABO as the absolute baseline for NATO. The options in the email are circulating at high levels in the Pentagon, the official added. One option envisions suspending difficult countries from important or prestigious positions at NATO.
The Strait of Hormuz was closed to global shipping following the outbreak of the war in late February. The war with Iran started on 28 February. A NATO official stated that NATO's Founding Treaty does not foresee any provision for suspension of NATO membership.
U.S. official. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not sending their navies to help open the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump declared he is considering withdrawing from NATO. U.S. pulling out of NATO during a 1 April interview with Reuters.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson stated that despite everything the United States has done for NATO allies, they were not there for us. Wilson added that the War Department will ensure that the President has credible options to ensure that allies do their part. -Israeli war with Iran has raised questions about the future of the 76-year-old NATO bloc.
U.S. naval blockade would amount to entering the war but they would be willing to help keep the Strait open once there is a lasting ceasefire or the conflict ends. Spain refused to hike defence spending to 5% of GDP.
