A Spanish rebellion shakes NATO as Madrid closes its doors to Washington
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to be drawn into a diplomatic confrontation with the United States, after leaks suggested that the US Department of Defense was considering imposing sanctions on NATO countries that do not participate in military operations against Iran, including Spain.
Sanchez’s remarks came on the sidelines of the EU summit in Cyprus, where he stressed that Madrid only deals with official documents and public positions, emphasizing that his country’s commitment to its allies is steadfast, but within the framework of respect for national sovereignty and international law.
These developments come amidst undeclared tensions between the two countries, following Spain’s decision to bar US forces from using its bases or crossing its airspace to participate in the war against Iran.
The Spanish government justified its position by stating that the current military operations lack international legitimacy.
According to an internal Pentagon memo that suggested punitive measures that could include: Suspension of Spain’s NATO membership, reviewing Washington’s stance on supporting Britain in the Falkland Islands issue.
These proposals reflect – according to leaks – a state of frustration within the Trump administration over the refusal of some allies to provide logistical support for the war.
From his part, Sanchez downplayed the leaks, stating that his country will continue to cooperate within NATO in a way that serves common security, but he stressed that Madrid won’t violate its sovereignty or engage in a conflict that it sees as threatening international stability.
Sanchez’s remarks coincided with a meeting of EU leaders in Nicosia, where the US-Israeli conflict with Iran is a major focus of discussion, amid European divisions on how to deal with the war and its repercussions on: Energy security and relations with the United States.
