Meloni: Spain Leaving NATO Would Not Be Positive — Alliance Must Remain United
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pushed back against the idea of Spain leaving NATO, emphasizing that the alliance’s strength lies in its unity. The remarks come amid growing speculation about Spain’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance following tensions over the Iran war and a reported Pentagon email exploring options to suspend Spain for refusing to support U.S. military operations .
“I don’t view the idea of Spain leaving NATO positively. I think NATO must remain united; it’s a source of strength.” — Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy
Meloni made the comments during a press availability in Rome, where she was asked about the possibility of Madrid withdrawing from the alliance. Her response was measured but clear: whatever disagreements exist among allies, the solution is not fragmentation.
The Context: Spain’s Strained NATO Relations
Spain has emerged as one of the most vocal European critics of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has refused to allow US forces to use Spanish military bases at Rota and Morón for offensive strikes and closed Spanish airspace to US military aircraft involved in the conflict .
In response, an internal Pentagon email reported by Reuters floated the possibility of suspending Spain from NATO and reassessing US support for the UK’s claim to the Falkland Islands as leverage . While the Trump administration has not formally acted on those proposals, speculation about Spain’s future in the alliance has persisted.
Spain’s foreign ministry has called the reported suspension threats “unacceptable” but has not indicated any intention to withdraw from NATO.
Meloni’s Balancing Act
Meloni’s defense of NATO unity is notable given her own tense relationship with the Trump administration. Italy also refused to join offensive actions against Iran, and the US president has publicly criticized Meloni, accusing her of lacking courage .
Yet Meloni has sought to position Italy as a reliable ally within the European pillar of NATO, even as tensions between Washington and some European capitals have escalated. Her remarks on Spain appear designed to reinforce that message: Italy may disagree with US policy, but it remains committed to the alliance’s collective defense framework.
Spain’s Position: No Indication of Withdrawal
Spain has not formally indicated any intention to leave NATO. The speculation appears to stem from the Pentagon’s internal discussions rather than any official move by Madrid. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has previously rejected the idea of leaving NATO, even as his government has criticized US policy .
Nevertheless, the rhetoric from both sides has raised questions about the long-term cohesion of the alliance. Spain is a founding member of NATO, having joined in 1982, and hosts two key US military installations at Rota and Morón. A Spanish withdrawal would be a major blow to NATO’s southern flank .
What Comes Next
Meloni’s statement may help ease tensions, but the underlying disagreements over the Iran war remain unresolved. The US has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports, and European allies have maintained their distance from the US military campaign. Whether NATO can absorb these strains — or whether Spain’s position will lead to further friction — remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Did Spain say it wants to leave NATO?
No. Spain has not formally indicated any intention to leave NATO. The speculation stems from a Pentagon email exploring options to suspend Spain, not from any action by Madrid.
Q2: Why is Spain’s NATO membership in question?
Spain refused to support the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, denying US forces access to Spanish bases and closing its airspace to US military aircraft. In response, a Pentagon email reportedly floated the possibility of suspending Spain from the alliance.
Q3: What did Meloni say about Spain leaving NATO?
Meloni stated that she does not view the idea positively, adding that NATO “must remain united” because it is “a source of strength.”
Q4: Is Italy in trouble with NATO?
Italy also refused to join offensive military actions against Iran, but it has not faced the same level of public criticism from the Pentagon as Spain. Meloni’s remarks suggest she is trying to position Italy as a bridge between Washington and European capitals.
Q5: Could Spain actually be suspended from NATO?
NATO’s founding treaty does not include a mechanism for suspending a member state. Any such move would be unprecedented and require unanimous consent of all 32 members.
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