Amid growing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, divisions have emerged within NATO over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. While the United States has intensified its strategic posture, several alliance members have reportedly expressed opposition to Washington’s approach, marking a shift from past Western military alignments in the region.
In earlier conflicts in West Asia, NATO members largely extended logistical and operational support to U.S.-led military actions. However, in the current Iran-related escalation, a section of member states has openly criticized the developments, prompting concern within the Trump administration over the cohesion of the alliance.
Among the countries continuing to support the United States, Poland has emerged as a key partner, hosting around 10,000 American troops and sharing a significant portion of their operational costs. Romania has also maintained cooperation by allowing U.S. aircraft access to its airbases, while Baltic nations including Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have expressed political backing for Washington’s position.
Conversely, several NATO members have opposed the U.S. stance. Spain has firmly stated that it will not permit the use of its military bases for operations linked to the conflict, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez terming the military action a violation of international law. The United Kingdom has also shown reluctance, initially restricting base access and later allowing limited defensive use, while declining support for U.S. calls related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is considering retaliatory diplomatic and military measures against NATO members not aligning with its position. These include potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from dissenting countries, redeployment to allied nations such as Poland and Romania, and restrictions on the sale of advanced weapon systems and defense technologies. According to leaked Pentagon assessments, even suspension of certain members, including Spain, from NATO structures is reportedly under consideration.