NATO’s Rutte: Europeans heed Trump, step up military support

European nations have “gotten the message” from U.S. President Donald Trump and are stepping up efforts to support military arrangements, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday.According to media reports, Rutte at a European Political Community summit in Armenia, acknowledged Washington’s frustration over the level of European involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict. “European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,” he said, adding that there had been “disappointment on the US side” over resistance from some allies.

NATO's Rutte says Europeans have 'gotten message' from Trump https://t.co/0LkCHDC4cf https://t.co/0LkCHDC4cf

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U.S. concerns have intensified in recent weeks, with Trump accusing several NATO members of not doing enough to support American efforts. In a further sign of strain, Washington announced plans on Friday to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.Rutte, however, stressed that European countries are now responding to the concerns. “Europeans are stepping up,” he said. “We have seen all these countries now participating with their bilateral agreements making sure that when it comes to basing requests and all the logistical support.”He added, “Yes, there has been some disappointment from the U.S. side, but Europeans have listened.”
According to Rutte, most NATO countries — including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Britain, France and Germany — are implementing agreements related to the use of military bases and logistical support. Spain remains an exception, having stated that bases on its territory cannot be used for the war with Iran.Rutte also noted increased military preparedness among European allies. “More and more” nations, he said, are pre-positioning assets such as minehunters and minesweepers near the Gulf region in anticipation of a potential “next phase” of the conflict.Several European countries have also indicated willingness to participate in future missions aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the conflict subsides, signalling a broader alignment with U.S. strategic objectives.