Rubio questions Spain’s NATO role after refusal to support US' Iran operations

WASHINGTON, DC: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was reportedly upset with Spain’s NATO loyalty after the country denied use of its bases for US military operations associated with the Iran conflict.

The incident adds another layer of tension to alliance ties ahead of the upcoming NATO talks.

The row apparently began when Spain refused permission for shared US-Spanish bases to be used for operations related to rising tensions in the Middle East.

Rubio raises concerns over alliance cooperation and defense commitments

The disagreement reportedly frustrated senior Trump administration officials, including Rubio and Trump himself, who raised concerns about whether NATO allies are fully supporting American security efforts while continuing to rely heavily on US defense commitments.

Rubio also reportedly suggested that President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with allies unwilling to support American military actions despite benefiting from US military protection through NATO.

“I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else,” Rubio told reporters.

“So when that is the key rationale for why you’re in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That’s a very fair question.”

Rubio added that US President Donald Trump has been “very disappointed” with how NATO countries responded to the US war effort.

 "In ⁠fairness, other countries in NATO have been very helpful. But we need to discuss that."

The disagreement with Spain revived long-running debates inside NATO over burden-sharing and military cooperation, issues Trump frequently emphasized during both of his presidential campaigns and throughout his presidency.

Spain has historically hosted important US military installations used for NATO coordination and Mediterranean operations.

Tensions emerge ahead of major NATO meetings

The disagreement arrives at a sensitive moment for NATO as the alliance faces growing pressure to maintain unity during escalating global conflicts.

Rubio’s reported comments added to concerns about divisions between Washington and some European allies over military strategy and foreign policy priorities in the Middle East.

NATO officials have stressed that the US has not asked the 32-member alliance to join the Iran war, but many members have honoured commitments to allow US forces to use their airspace and bases on their territory.

This year, Trump’s bid to buy Greenland, a territory of fellow NATO member ​Denmark, also increased European concerns about Trump’s position on NATO.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet NATO allies on Friday for the first time since President Donald Trump called the alliance into question due to divisions over the Iran war, and Washington announced plans to pull 5,000 troops from Europe.