An internal email from the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) has reportedly outlined potential measures aimed at penalising NATO allies considered uncooperative during U.S. operations in the war with Iran, according to a U.S. official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The proposals, which have not been officially confirmed as policy, allegedly include suspending countries such as Spain from key NATO roles and re-evaluating the United States’ position on the United Kingdom’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
The official said the email reflects growing frustration within Washington over what it describes as some allies’ reluctance to provide access, basing, and overflight rights (ABO) during the conflict involving Iran.
According to the source, the document states that ABO cooperation is “just the absolute baseline for NATO,” and suggests that discussions around enforcement measures are circulating at senior levels within the Pentagon.
One of the options reportedly considers removing “difficult” member states from prestigious NATO positions, while another explores diplomatic pressure linked to longstanding territorial disputes, including the Falkland Islands between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticised NATO allies, accusing them of failing to support U.S. military operations during heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which was disrupted following the start of air operations on February 28.
He has also raised the possibility of reassessing U.S. membership in NATO, though no formal withdrawal process has been announced.
In an April 1 interview with Reuters, Trump responded to questions about a potential NATO exit by asking, “Wouldn’t you if you were me?”
However, the Pentagon email does not reportedly recommend withdrawal from NATO or the closure of U.S. military bases in Europe. It also does not confirm any immediate plans for force reductions on the continent.
Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, responding to inquiries, defended the administration’s position, stating that allies had not met expectations despite U.S. commitments.
“As President Trump has said, despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us,” Wilson said.
She added that the Department of Defense would ensure the President has “credible options” to encourage greater allied cooperation, stressing that no further details on internal deliberations would be provided.
The reported discussions come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension within NATO, as debates continue over burden-sharing, military coordination, and alliance unity in ongoing global conflicts.
