The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has called for a reevaluation of Washington’s relationship with NATO following the end of the war in Iran.
“I believe that, unfortunately, once this conflict ends, we will have to reexamine this relationship. We must reassess NATO’s value to our country within this alliance,” Rubio said on Tuesday. He added that any final decisions would rest with President Donald Trump.
Trump criticized European allies for not supporting the U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign against Iran and ruled out intervening to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
European countries have also responded independently: Spain prohibited U.S. forces from using Spanish bases or airspace for operations targeting Iran, citing violations of international law. Italy confirmed that American bombers were denied landing rights at a Sicilian base due to missing authorizations and noncompliance with bilateral agreements.
Read more about this topic: Iran War: Trump calls NATO countries “cowards” over Hormuz
In contrast, Rubio praised the “close” economic and defense cooperation with Portugal. During a phone call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, Rubio highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and commitment to transatlantic security, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of State.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that both leaders discussed the Middle East situation and the importance of the transatlantic link, as well as bilateral economic and defense relations.
Since 28 February, the U.S. and Israel have been conducting military operations against Iran, with consequences affecting countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. U.S. military aircraft, mainly refueling planes, have operated almost daily from the Lajes Air Base. Portugal granted conditional authorization for its use, stipulating that operations must respond to attacks, remain proportionate, and target only military objectives.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro confirmed in mid-March that U.S. use of Lajes Air Base has complied with these conditions.
