Tensions have been mounting in NATO after claims about a leaked Pentagon email that stated how the United States might penalize their allies, notably Spain, who refuse to support any military campaign against Iran. The penalties being considered included suspending "difficult" nations from occupying key NATO posts and withdrawing US backing for Britain's control of the Falkland Islands. It must be noted here that an unnamed NATO official has made it clear that there is no legal basis for expelling any country as per the NATO agreement. The United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had lashed out at his European partners for engaging in "free riding," whereas Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has rejected the rumors, citing how Spain follows international law.