Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has questioned whether the United States will be "loyal" to its NATO commitments and defend Europe in the event of a Russian attack. In light of this uncertainty, Tusk has urged the European Union to become a "true alliance" to protect the continent. In statements to the Financial Times, the Polish leader said: "Europe's most important question is whether the United States is prepared to be as loyal as described in our [NATO] treaties," and warned that Russia could attack an alliance member within "months." The unusual intervention by the Polish leader reflects growing uncertainty in Europe following President Donald Trump's threats to disengage from NATO and his wavering commitment to the continent's defense, which has materialized, for example, with the threat of invading Greenland.
The Pentagon raises in an internal email suspending Spain from NATO and punishing allies
Washington raises its tone against European leaders and, disappointed by the little involvement in Hormuz, says that "they do not count on Europe"
Washington / Madrid / BarcelonaThe Pentagon is reportedly considering suspending Spain from NATO, among other proposals to punish countries that have not supported American operations in the war with Iran. This is indicated by an email that has circulated among senior officials of the War Department —formerly the Department of Defense— of the United States, as a funcionario has assured the Reuters agency on condition of anonymity.
This and other political options are detailed in a memo expressing frustration with allies over the lack of cooperation in military operations in the Middle East. Still according to Reuters, the message emphasizes the reluctance or refusal of some allies to grant the United States access, basing, and overflight rights (known as ABO) for operations in the Middle East in recent months. The email stated that ABO is "only the absolute minimum for NATO." In response, the text foresees suspending "difficult" countries from important positions in the Atlantic Alliance.
On this matter, Sánchez said at the entrance of the informal summit of European Union leaders in Cyprus that they do not work based on emails but on "official documents" and "positions of the United States government." In this regard, he expressed "absolute collaboration with allies but always within international legality."
President Trump has harshly criticized NATO allies for not having sent their marines to help open the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to international maritime transport after the start of the air war on February 28. And he has also declared that he is considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance. The email argues that the option of suspending Spain from NATO would have a limited effect on US military operations, but a significant symbolic impact. However, the letter does not suggest that the United States withdraw nor close any bases in Europe.
On the same note, the U.S. Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, warned Europe this Friday that Washington deserves "capable" and "loyal" partners who support the war against Iran. "We are not counting on Europe," he expressed at a Pentagon press conference. "They need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do. Perhaps they should start talking less, holding fewer ostentatious conferences in Europe, and instead, get on a ship," Hegseth said, alluding to the summit held last week in Paris, where some forty countries discussed a mission to re-establish transit in Hormuz once there are security guarantees in the region.
List of good and bad
Early in the week, diplomatic sources explained to Politico that the White House was making a list of allies it considers good and those it considers bad, while seeking ways to punish those who refused to help the US in the war against Iran. This is an idea that was already proposed last year by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. "Exemplary allies who step forward, such as Israel, South Korea, increasingly Poland, Germany, the Baltic states, and others, will receive our special favor," he said. In contrast, "allies who continue to shirk their part in collective defense will face consequences.
Another of the options raised in the email is to review the United States' position on the British claim to the Falkland Islands. Regarding the sovereignty of this British overseas territory, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson has said that the government "could not be clearer on the UK's position," and that "sovereignty rests with the UK and the Islanders' right to self-determination is paramount." He also assures that this position has been conveyed "clearly and consistently to successive US administrations.
However, many doubts arise about how this "suspension" could be practically implemented, as there is no such clause in the founding treaty of NATO. "There is no mechanism that allows for the suspension or expulsion of any state from NATO," Rafael Grasa, professor emeritus of international relations at the UAB, tells el ARA. The expert explains that the only mechanism for a country to leave the Alliance is the activation of Article 13, which states that any country can withdraw of its own volition twenty years after the signing of the treaty, which was in 1949.
Experts have doubts
Furthermore, Grasa questions that the United States can reproach the rest of its partners for not having played a more active role in the Middle East —for example, for refraining from deploying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz— because Washington did not notify them of its intention to start the war. "In this treaty there is a consultation clause, which is article 4, which the U.S. did not use," he says. What Trump could do is sideline or not grant Spaniards positions of relevance within the organization through political pressure.
On the other hand, regarding a possible withdrawal of the United States from NATO, Grasa dismisses this possibility in the short term. "Any withdrawal of the U.S. from NATO would require a two-thirds majority of the Senate or the approval of a specific law, which [Trump] cannot do. Therefore, Trump cannot leave NATO and no one can expel or suspend Spain," he concludes.
According to the expert, the letter is part of a strategy of "rhetoric and threats" aimed at diverting attention from the military conflict rather than executing a real action plan. For Grasa, this move is a symptom that "NATO is factually dead," a thesis he supports by recalling the Trump administration's attempts to empty the organization of content and the constant threats to cut its funding.