European nations have “gotten the message” from U.S. President Donald Trump and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are being properly implemented, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday.
Speaking at a European Political Community summit in Armenia, Rutte said there had been “some disappointment” from the United States over the level of European support during the Iran war, but added that allies on the continent had responded.
“Europeans have listened,” Rutte told reporters. “They are now making sure that all the bilateral basing agreements are being implemented.”
The comments come after the United States announced plans on Friday to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, in what has been seen as a further sign of tensions between Washington and some European NATO members.
Rutte said NATO countries including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Britain, France and Germany are now implementing requests for the use of military bases and logistical support. However, he noted that Spain has stated its bases cannot be used for operations related to the Iran war.
The NATO chief also said that “more and more” European countries are positioning military assets such as minehunters and minesweepers closer to the Gulf region, in preparation for what he described as a potential “next phase.”
According to Rutte, several European nations have expressed willingness to participate in a future mission aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict ends.
