Yerevan, Armenia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European nations have “gotten the message” from U.S. President Donald Trump and are ensuring agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented.
U.S. criticism and troop withdrawal plan
Trump has accused some NATO nations of not doing enough to support the United States in the Iran war. The United States announced on Friday plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
Rutte comments at Armenia summit
Rutte told reporters at a European Political Community summit in Armenia that there had been some disappointment from the U.S. side but that Europeans had listened. He said they were making sure bilateral basing agreements were being implemented.
Base use and logistical support among NATO members
Spain has said military bases on its territory cannot be used for the war with Iran. Rutte said other NATO countries, including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Britain, France and Germany, were implementing requests for the use of bases and other logistical support.
Pre-positioning assets and potential Hormuz mission
Rutte said “more and more” European nations were pre-positioning assets such as minehunters and minesweepers close to the Gulf to be ready for a “next phase.” Multiple European nations have said they are willing to take part in a mission to help ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the war is over.
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