U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to engage with NATO allies following President Donald Trump’s criticisms of the alliance regarding differing views on the conflict in Iran.
Before departing for the NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden, Rubio stated that Trump is “very disappointed” with NATO members, particularly Spain, for denying the U.S. access to their military bases for operations related to the war.
“You have countries like Spain that refuse to let us use these bases—then why are you in NATO? That’s a very fair question,”
Rubio remarked to reporters in Miami. He acknowledged, however, that some allies have been supportive of U.S. efforts in the conflict.
“To be fair, other NATO countries have been very helpful. But we need to discuss this,”
he added.
Trump has previously criticized NATO members for not contributing more to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign and has even suggested the possibility of withdrawing from the alliance, questioning Washington’s commitment to mutual defense obligations.
NATO representatives emphasized that the U.S. had not requested the 32-member alliance’s involvement in the Iran conflict, but many members have allowed American forces to utilize their airspace and bases.
This year, European concerns regarding Trump’s stance on NATO have intensified, particularly following his interest in purchasing Greenland, a territory of Denmark, which is also a NATO member.
At the upcoming meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, European ministers are expected to reassure the U.S. of their commitment to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and their willingness to take on greater responsibility for European defense.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing for discussions with NATO allies amidst President Trump's criticisms regarding the alliance's support in the Iran conflict. The meeting aims to address tensions and reaffirm commitments to mutual defense and security responsibilities.