Adedokun Waliyu 
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday urged NATO allies to remain united following reports that the United States was considering action against Spain over its refusal to support operations against Iran.
“NATO must remain united. I believe it is a source of strength,” Meloni told reporters while attending an EU summit in Nicosia, Cyprus.
According to Reuters, citing an anonymous US official, the Pentagon had outlined possible measures to punish allies over their stance on the Iran war, including the potential suspension of Spain from the alliance.
However, there is no provision within NATO’s founding treaty that allows for the suspension or expulsion of a member state.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO allies for not offering stronger support in the Iran conflict, describing their position as a betrayal.
Several countries — including France, Spain, and Italy — declined to allow US military aircraft involved in the conflict to use their airspace or bases. Britain initially refused as well but later permitted US flights for what it described as “defensive” missions.
Trump also unsuccessfully pushed for European NATO members to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively restricted through military threats and attacks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose country was reportedly targeted for possible suspension, said he was “not worried,” insisting Spain remains a “reliable member” of NATO.
Amid growing uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to defending its allies, the European Union is preparing to outline a “blueprint” explaining how its mutual assistance clause would operate if a member state is attacked.
Meloni emphasised that NATO remains central to Europe’s defence but stressed that European countries must take on greater responsibility for their own security.
“We must work to strengthen NATO’s European pillar, which must clearly complement the American one,” she said.
