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Spain Affirms Being 'Reliable' NATO Partner Amid US-Led Expulsion Rumours
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain is a reliable NATO member and is fulfilling all obligations, in response to reports that the United States was considering expelling Spain for not supporting operations in the Middle East war. The remarks came in Cyprus as he attended an EU summit, with NATO's next summit scheduled for July in Turkey.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight tensions within the NATO alliance over member obligations and the US approach to coalition warfare, while Spain seeks to reassure allies of its continued cooperation within international law.
Timeline
4 Events
Background on overflight and base access by some NATO members
April 24, 2026
The article notes that some countries, including France, Spain and Italy, did not allow US military aircraft to overfly their territories or use bases for the war, while Britain initially refused but later allowed US flights from its bases for 'defensive' missions.
NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8, 2026 in Turkey
April 24, 2026
NATO announced its next summit is planned for July 7-8, 2026 in Turkey, a detail cited in the article as context for ongoing alliance discussions.
Sanchez stresses Spain is a reliable NATO member in Cyprus
April 24, 2026
In Cyprus, where he was attending an EU summit, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said 'Spain is a reliable member within NATO' and that the country is fulfilling all its obligations. He added that he is absolutely not worried and emphasized cooperation with allies within international law.
Reuters reports US Pentagon considered expulsion option for Spain
April 24, 2026
The Reuters news agency cited an anonymous US official stating that the Pentagon outlined an expulsion option in an email, aimed at punishing NATO allies that refused to support the US-Israeli war against Iran.