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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.
President Donald Trump lashed out Monday at NATO allies who did not support the United States in the war in Iran and reiterated his desire to annex Greenland.
Trump’s remarks came ahead of a visit by the defense alliance’s chief Mark Rutte scheduled for later this week.
“Look, we went to NATO,” Trump recalled. “I didn’t ask very strongly, I just said, ‘Hey, if you want to help, great.’”
“‘No, no, no we will not help,’” Trump said he was told, while not saying who he spoke to.
Trump went on to say that NATO members had “actually gone out of their way not to help.”
The alliance, Trump said, “is a paper tiger,” that Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s not afraid of.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who Trump called “a great person,” is expected in Washington this week.
On Wednesday he will hold talks with Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Alliance said Friday.
The remarks mark the latest dust-up between Trump and the alliance.
Trump has made no secret of his desire to annex Greenland — controlled by NATO ally Denmark — which has been strongly resisted by the alliance.
Discussing his displeasure with NATO, Trump said: “It all began with — if you want to know the truth — Greenland.”
Read Also: ‘US Will Unleash Hell After 48 Hours’ – Trump Warns Iran
“We want Greenland,” Trump said. “They don’t want to give it to us. And I said, ‘bye, bye.’”
Trump also criticized other traditional non-NATO allies including South Korea, Australia, and Japan for not assisting with the Iran war.
Trump praised gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for their support during the conflict.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Iran had 48 hours left to make a deal on opening the vital Strait of Hormuz or face “Hell.”
“Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to his ultimatum issued on March 26.
“Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them,” the president said, adding: “Glory be to GOD!”
