Pentagon Memo Suggests Suspending Spain from NATO

A leaked memo from the United States Department of Defense suggests the U.S. seek the suspension of Spain from NATO. The proposal follows a series of diplomatic frictions, including Spain's refusal to grant the U.S. access, basing, and overflight rights during the Third Gulf War.

Tensions escalated after Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez rejected a demand from President Donald Trump that NATO members increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP. While a NATO official noted that the alliance has no formal provision for suspending member states, the rift has prompted the U.S. to consider relocating its military bases from Spain to Morocco.

This strategic shift is tied to a new 10-year defense roadmap with the Government of Morocco. Analysts suggest this realignment could lead the U.S. to support Morocco in territorial conflicts over Spanish North African holdings, potentially placing the U.S. in opposition to the European Union and threatening the overall unity of the NATO alliance.