NATO: Italy backs Spain amid ‘suspension plot’

Italy has called for continued harmony within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization following reports of an ostensible plot to suspend Spain.

Speaking on the sidelines of an EU leaders summit in Cyprus, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that the alliance must remain united.

“I don’t view the idea of Spain leaving NATO positively,” Meloni told reporters. “I think NATO must remain united; it’s a source of strength.”

On Friday, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared he was “absolutely not worried” about any move against Spain, insisting it remains “a reliable member within NATO.”

Sánchez added that although his country values cooperation with allies, its government will always work “within the framework of international legality.”

The purported plot against Spain stemmed from Spain’s refusal to allow the United States to use its bases or airspace to attack Iran. Italy and France also declined.

According to Reuters, an internal Pentagon email detailed options for Washington to penalize NATO partners that have openly opposed the U.S. ongoing military operation.

The action reportedly includes pressing for Spain’s suspension from NATO and reviewing the U.S. position on Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

Argentina wants new talks with London over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), with the government of Javier Milei arguing that British control is “colonialism.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Pablo Quirno stated that negotiations over the remote South Atlantic archipelago are necessary for a peaceful solution.

President Javier Milei is a close ally of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his stance on Operation Epic Fury.