BRUSSELS, May 4 — European nations have "gotten the message" from United States (US) President Donald Trump and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Trump has accused some NATO nations of not doing enough to support the US in the Iran war. In a further sign of his discontent with European allies, Washington announced plans on Friday to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
"Yes, there has been some disappointment from the US side, but Europeans have listened. They are now making sure that all the bilateral basing agreements are being implemented," Rutte told the media at a European Political Community summit in Armenia on Monday.
NATO member Spain has said that military bases on its territory cannot be used for the war with Iran. But Rutte added that other NATO countries, including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are implementing requests for the use of bases and other logistical support.
He also said "more and more" European nations were pre-positioning assets such as minehunters and minesweepers close to the Gulf to be ready for a "next phase".
Multiple European nations have said they are willing to take part in a mission to help ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the war is over.
