Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Friday insisted his country is a “reliable member” of NATO, downplaying reports that the United States has considered suspending Spain from the alliance over its stance on the Iran war.

Speaking at a European Union summit in Cyprus, Sánchez said Madrid fulfills all its obligations and is not concerned by what he described as unofficial communications.

“We don’t work with emails. We work with official documents and government positions,” he said, adding that Spain’s policy is based on cooperation with allies “within the framework of international law.”

Pentagon email fuels dispute

The remarks came after a Reuters report revealed an internal Pentagon email outlining possible measures to punish NATO allies that declined to support U.S. military operations against Iran.

Among the options discussed was the unprecedented step of suspending Spain from NATO, as well as reviewing Washington’s stance on British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

The document reflected frustration in Washington over some European allies’ refusal to grant U.S. forces access to bases and airspace — considered a baseline expectation within NATO cooperation.

No mechanism for suspension

NATO officials have noted there is no provision in the alliance’s founding treaty allowing for the suspension or expulsion of a member.

Spain has been among several countries, including France and Italy, that declined to support U.S. military operations tied to the Iran conflict or allow unrestricted use of their territory.

Madrid previously blocked U.S. access to bases and restricted overflight permissions, citing concerns about the legality of the military campaign.

Strains within the alliance

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for what he sees as insufficient support, particularly in efforts to respond to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

A Pentagon spokesperson said the Defense Department is exploring “credible options” to ensure allies contribute more meaningfully, but offered no specifics.

European leaders, meanwhile, have urged unity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said NATO “must remain united,” calling cohesion a source of strength.

Despite the rhetoric, Sánchez struck a calm tone, reiterating Spain’s commitment to the alliance while maintaining that its actions must comply with international law.

The dispute underscores growing divisions within NATO as the alliance grapples with differing approaches to the Iran conflict and broader questions about burden-sharing and strategic priorities.