An internal email from the Department of Defense outlines potential measures to punish allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that were seen as unwilling to support United States operations during the recent conflict involving Israel and Iran. According to a United States official, the proposals include suspending Spain from the alliance and reconsidering support for the United Kingdom's claim to the Falkland Islands.

The memo reportedly expresses frustration over some allies' reluctance to provide access, military bases, and overflight rights during the conflict. One option under consideration involves removing what were described as difficult countries from key or prestigious positions within the alliance structure.

While the document discusses punitive steps, it does not propose that the United States withdraw from the alliance or close its bases in Europe. A spokesperson for the Department of Defense said the administration wants credible options to ensure that allies contribute more meaningfully to shared defense efforts, but declined to comment further on internal deliberations.