Overview
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met President Donald Trump and senior U.S. officials in Washington to keep the United States engaged in the alliance, and he said some allies had fallen short on support.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States may need to reconsider its NATO ties after a war with Iran if allies refuse to open bases or airspace, a warning that followed the United Kingdom’s refusal to host U.S. operations.
- Trump again disparaged NATO and pressed Europe to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has fueled concern that his stance weakens faith in NATO’s mutual defense pledge under Article 5.
- Former Dutch top diplomat Ed Kronenburg said Spain should leave NATO if it will not allow U.S. forces to use its bases or airspace, arguing that allies cannot rely on U.S. protection while denying access.
- A Dutch opinion survey found 57% support a planned royal working visit to the United States, and many want Prime Minister Rob Jetten to voice criticism of Trump’s Iran policy and approach to Europe during the trip.