US criticizes Spain for restricting NATO bases and missing 5% defense spending goal

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said President Donald Trump is "disappointed" with Spain for denying Washington access to the Morón and Rota air bases during the operation against Iran and for refusing to raise defence spending to 5% of Gross Domestic Product. Whitaker told reporters the remarks came ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, adding that while no retaliation is expected, the United States expects all alliance members to honor the defence‑spending commitment made at last year’s Hague summit.

He also noted that NATO allies that increase their defence budgets could receive preferential treatment in bilateral relations, such as more access to senior U.S. officials and priority in military procurement, but emphasized that no exceptions to the agreed targets would be granted.