A confidential Pentagon email outlines options to review the US position on Britain's Falkland Islands claim and suspend Spain from NATO, reflecting growing frustration with allies over the Iran conflict. The email, obtained by major media, expresses frustration over allies' reluctance to grant Access, Basing, and Overflight (ABO) rights for the conflict. It envisions suspension of 'difficult' countries from important positions within NATO, though it does not suggest US withdrawal from the alliance or closing bases in Europe, according to an anonymous official. Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for not deploying navies to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the air war began on February 28, according to major media. Trump administration officials have stressed that NATO cannot be a one-way street.
The US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, 2026, according to research from two sources. Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, US military bases, oil depots, and infrastructure across the Gulf region, as reported by three sources. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed, disrupting about 20% of global oil and gas supplies, according to four sources. Brent crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, with some sources reporting $106 per barrel, while others say prices exceeded $120 per barrel. QatarEnergy suspended LNG production after an Iranian drone attack on March 2, according to two sources.
ABO is 'just the absolute baseline for Nato' and that options are circulating at high levels within the Pentagon.
The war has caused a systemic collapse of the Gulf Cooperation Council economic model, according to seven sources. The International Energy Agency ordered the largest release of government reserves in its history, releasing 400 million barrels. Oil prices rose 45.27% compared to the same time last year as of April 22, 2026, according to seven sources. The war has caused a 'grocery supply emergency' across Gulf states, with 70% of food imports disrupted, according to seven sources. Iranian strikes on desalination plants threatened drinking water supplies in Kuwait and Qatar, according to seven sources. The conflict has been described as the 'end of the narrative' that the Gulf is a safe destination for expatriates, according to the Middle East Council on Global Affairs.
Spain's Socialist leadership said it would not allow its bases or airspace to be used to attack Iran, according to major media. The United States has two important military bases in Spain: Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base. Britain, France and others say joining the US naval blockade would amount to entering the war, but would help keep the Strait open after a ceasefire, according to major media. The US-Israeli war with Iran has raised questions about the future of NATO and concern that the US might not aid European allies if attacked, according to analysts and diplomats.
The Pentagon email does not suggest US withdrawal from NATO or closing bases in Europe, according to an anonymous official. Unknowns remain about what specific actions the US will take against NATO allies based on the email, the current status of the Strait of Hormuz closure and when it might reopen, and the long-term impact on global oil supply and prices if the conflict continues.