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Katya Adler: Europe's Nato allies push back at reported US threat to Spain

April 25, 2026

The relationship between the United States and its European NATO allies has deteriorated significantly following a leaked Pentagon email suggesting punitive measures against countries, particularly Spain, that have not fully supported US-Israeli military operations against Iran. European leaders gathering in Cyprus found themselves addressing yet another transatlantic crisis rather than planned budget discussions, as tensions have escalated over defense spending demands, use of military bases, and fundamental disagreements about NATO's purpose. President Trump has publicly criticized multiple allies including Spain, the UK, and even former close partner Italy's Giorgia Meloni, while threatening various consequences for perceived lack of support.

Who is affected

  • Spain (threatened with NATO suspension and trade sanctions)
  • United Kingdom (facing US review of support for Falklands claim; criticized by Trump)
  • Italy and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (denied airbase use; personally attacked by Trump)
  • Poland and Prime Minister Donald Tusk (questioning US defense commitments)
  • Estonia (delayed weapons system delivery despite high defense spending)
  • Denmark (territorial threats regarding Greenland)
  • France and President Emmanuel Macron (accused of insufficient alignment)
  • Germany and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (navigating tensions)
  • Netherlands and Prime Minister Rob Jetten (defending Spain)
  • All NATO and EU member states in Eastern Europe (concerned about Russian threat)
  • Former NATO officials Jens Stoltenberg and Camille Grande
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

What action is being taken

  • Spain is denying US forces permission to use joint US-Spanish military bases for operations against Iran
  • The UK has allowed the US to use British bases for strikes and RAF planes are participating in missions to shoot down Iranian drones
  • Italy is denying US permission to use the Sigonella airbase in Sicily for military operations against Iran
  • EU leaders are exploring the mutual defense article 42.7 of the EU treaty as a potential alternative to NATO's Article 5
  • France and the UK, along with other nations, are preparing international maritime patrol and mine-sweeping capabilities for the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end
  • Russia is exporting oil at high prices, buoying its war economy

Why it matters

  • This represents a fundamental crisis in the transatlantic alliance that has underpinned Western security for over 75 years. Eastern European nations face an existential threat from Russia, which NATO estimates could be ready to attack a member state within one to four years, yet they now doubt whether the US would fulfill its Article 5 mutual defense obligations. The public disputes and threats from Washington are undermining the credibility of collective defense precisely when it may be needed most. The disagreement exposes a deep philosophical divide: Europe views the US-Israel campaign against Iran as an optional war of choice requiring diplomatic solutions, while Trump treats NATO as a transactional arrangement where allies must support American military adventures or face punishment. Former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg warns the alliance's existence is not guaranteed in ten years, which would eliminate America's unique advantage over rivals like China and Russia—having a network of powerful allies representing 50% of global military might and economic power.

What's next

  • France and the UK, along with other nations, are preparing international maritime patrol and mine-sweeping capabilities for the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end
  • NATO summit scheduled for July (which could face a "long, dark shadow" from current tensions)
  • Russia assessed to be ready to attack a NATO nation in three years according to NATO, or within one year after the Ukraine war ends according to Dutch military intelligence

Read full article from source: BBC