European countries “understood the message” from US President Donald Trump and are now trying to make agreements on the use of military bases, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday. He expressed himself after how Trump said on Saturday that the United States would reduce the number of troops stationed in Germany by well over 5,000. TASR informs about it according to the reports of the AFP and Reuters agencies.
- The United States plans to reduce the number of its troops in Germany more significantly.
- Donald Trump has long criticized European allies for their weak support for Iran.
- NATO notes that European countries are increasing efforts in bilateral agreements on bases.
- Spain has banned US military aircraft from using its territory for operations against Iran.
- European countries are moving military assets to the Persian Gulf for the next operational phase.
“Yes, there was some disappointment from the US side, but the Europeans listened. They heard the message clearly,” Rutte told reporters at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Armenia. According to the NATO Secretary General, the Europeans are increasing their efforts. “They are now ensuring that all bilateral base agreements are carried out,” he stated.
In recent months, Trump has repeatedly criticized the other member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance for the fact that they are not doing enough to support the United States in a war with Iran. The US Department of Defense announced on Friday that it would withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. The White House chief subsequently said it would be “well over 5,000”. He also admitted last week that he would probably consider withdrawing members of the armed forces from Italy and Spain as well.
Spain has refused to allow US military aircraft to fly over its territory or use its military bases for operations related to attacks on Iran. However, Rutte claims that other NATO member countries, such as Britain, Montenegro, Croatia, France, Greece, Germany, Portugal, Romania and Italy, they do not reject requests for the use of bases and other logistical support.
The head of NATO also stated that more and more European countries are positioning their assets, such as minesweepers, near the Persian Gulf to be ready for the “next phase”. Reuters recalled that several countries expressed their willingness to participate in the mission to ensure free navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz after the war.
