Overview
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio questioned the point of U.S. membership in NATO, speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Beijing after Spain refused U.S. use of its bases during operations against Iran.
- He said access to allied bases, which lets U.S. forces operate closer to conflict zones, is his main reason for backing the alliance.
- Rubio praised Portugal, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria for cooperating and called Spain's posture "atrocious."
- He warned the bloc risks a two-tier setup, saying some members act like "allies when they want to be."
- The Washington Examiner reported other limits on U.S. requests during the Iran fight, including Italy denying use of the Sigonella base and Spain blocking bases and airspace for Operation Epic Fury.