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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting his NATO counterparts for the first time since Trump questioned the alliance's viability. Rubio confirmed the president's displeasure with countries that refused to allow the use of their bases for the war on Iran, especially Spain.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed the deep dissatisfaction of President Donald Trump with NATO countries that refused to allow the United States to use military bases on their territory in the context of the war against Iran. This came ahead of Rubio's participation in the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Sweden. Rubio pointed out in press statements from Miami to Spain specifically as an example of the rejectionist countries, asking: "Why are you in NATO then?" He stressed that this is a “very logical question.” He acknowledged that other NATO countries have shown great cooperation, but stressed the need to discuss this. Trump sharply criticized member states for not sufficiently supporting the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, and raised questions about Washington's commitment to the mutual defense treaty. He also threatened to withdraw from NATO and announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Europe, in a move that US officials linked to criticism of the German Chancellor of Trump's Iran strategy. European concerns about Trump's position are growing, especially after he sought to acquire Greenland, a subsidiary of NATO member Denmark. European ministers at the Helsingborg meeting are expected to seek to de-escalate tensions by stressing their willingness to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to assume greater responsibilities in European security. The decision to withdraw US troops puzzled allies over conflicting official statements. Washington backed away from plans to deploy Tomahawk missiles in Germany. Informed sources said that the United States intends to reduce the military capabilities provided to NATO in times of crisis, despite military leaders' attempts to reassure allies that changes will be made gradually.
Source: Al-Wehda Al-Arabia News Portal
