The US appears to be quite annoyed by the refusal of many countries to support US operations in the war raging with Iran.
More specifically, an internal Pentagon email refers to US options to punish NATO allies for not helping them in Iran. These include suspending Spain’s membership of the alliance and reconsidering the US stance on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands, Reuters quoted a US official as saying.
An internal memo cited the reluctance or refusal of some allies to grant the US access, base and overflight rights (ABO) as part of the war on Iran, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The email stressed that ABOs are a “fundamental requirement for NATO” and options appear to be being considered at a high level in the Pentagon. One of the proposals involves removing “difficult” countries from key or prominent positions within the alliance.
Donald Trump has at times strongly criticised NATO allies for not sending naval forces to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed on 28 February with the start of the war.
At the same time, he has left open the possibility of a US withdrawal from the alliance. “Wouldn’t you do the same if you were in my position?” he said in an interview with Reuters on 1 April, in response to a question.
However, according to the same official, this email does not recommend withdrawal from NATO or suggest closing US bases in Europe. Still, it was not specified whether the options under consideration include a broader reduction of US forces on the continent.
Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson said: “As President Trump has pointed out, despite the support the United States has provided to its NATO allies, they have not responded adequately. The Department of Defense will ensure that the president has credible options to ensure that allies stop being a paper tiger and take responsibility.” He added, however, that there was no further comment on internal discussions on the issue.
