Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Leaked Memo Suggests NATO Suspension of Spain After Base Denial

4/24/2026

49 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A leaked Pentagon memo floated suspending Spain from NATO after Madrid refused U.S. forces use of its bases in Iran.
U.S. administration confirmed the memo and said NATO’s treaty lacks a suspension provision.
Spain’s prime minister said Spain remains a reliable NATO member.
Kingsley Wilson said President Donald Trump has options after Spain barred U.S. use of Rota and Morón bases in Iran.

History

Historical Context

During the 1990 Gulf War the United States deployed forces through Spain’s Rota Naval Station, a NATO facility, while Spain contributed 500 ground troops to the coalition. That use reinforced the alliance’s collective-defence stance. Decades later, Madrid’s decision to bar U.S. access to Rota and Morón has revived the base-access dispute, prompting President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to negotiate a resolution.

1 of 2

Story summary

A leaked Pentagon memo floated suspending Spain from NATO after Madrid refused U.S. forces use of its bases in Iran.
U.S. administration confirmed the memo and said NATO’s treaty lacks a suspension provision.
Spain’s prime minister said Spain remains a reliable NATO member.
Kingsley Wilson said President Donald Trump has options after Spain barred U.S. use of Rota and Morón bases in Iran.

1 / 2