Secretary of State Marco Rubio said late Tuesday that the United States will reexamine its relationship with NATO after the conflict with Iran ends, echoing criticism from President Trump toward European allies who have been reluctant to join the military operation in the Middle East.
"Ultimately, that's a decision for the President to make, and he'll have to make it," Rubio told host Sean Hannity during an appearance on Fox News. "But I do think, unfortunately, we are going to have to re-examine whether or not this Alliance that has served this country well for a while is still serving that purpose, or is it now become a one-way street where America is simply in a position to defend Europe, but when we need the help of our Allies, they're going to deny us basing rights and they're going to deny us overflight."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservatives have largely supported Trump's tougher stance on NATO, arguing that European allies have not pulled their weight in the alliance for decades. Trump has repeatedly criticized what he characterizes as a one-sided relationship where the U.S. provides security guarantees without reciprocal support.
"Oh yes, I would say [it's] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin knows that too, by the way," Trump told The Telegraph. Some Republicans have echoed this sentiment, arguing that European nations should increase their defense spending and contribute more meaningfully to collective security.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats and some foreign policy experts have expressed concern about Trump's rhetoric toward NATO, arguing that the alliance remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended NATO as "the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen" following Trump's comments.
Progressive lawmakers have noted that European nations face their own domestic political constraints when considering military deployments. Some Democrats have argued that the administration should pursue diplomatic solutions rather than threatening allies who are reluctant to enter a wider war in the Middle East.
What the Numbers Show
Some NATO countries — including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands — have signaled a "readiness to contribute" to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping channel. However, these nations have resisted calls to send warships or join the conflict in a broader capacity.
Several European nations blocked the use of their bases for U.S. aircraft involved in "Operation Epic Fury," including Italy and Spain. France and Spain have also restricted airspace for U.S. military operations. Trump warned Tuesday that European countries could soon be on their own, as oil prices surge globally amid the turmoil.
The Bottom Line
The conflict with Iran is nearing its end, according to Rubio, who said the U.S. is "very close" to achieving its objectives. Trump is set to give a primetime address Wednesday evening on the ongoing conflict. The administration's threat to reconsider NATO membership marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Europe, and the outcome of that debate could reshape transatlantic relations for years to come.