Hegseth hints at rethink of US role in NATO
Photo: US Secretary of War Pete Hagset (Getty Images)
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signaled that the administration of President Donald Trump is dissatisfied with the actions of NATO allies during the war with Iran, The Guardian reports.
Hegseth stressed that Washington still intends to end the conflict with Iran on its own terms. At the same time, speaking about the future of US participation in NATO, he made it clear that the final decision will rest with Trump.
"And as far as NATO’s concerned, that’s a decision that’ll be left to the President. But I’ll just say, a lot has been laid bare," the Pentagon chief said.
According to him, the war has shown what US allies are really willing to do when it comes to large-scale actions "on behalf of the free world."
Hegseth also said that even in situations where missiles do not reach US territory but threaten allies and other countries, Washington still faces hesitation rather than full support.
"And yet when we ask for additional assistance or simple access to basic overflight, we get questions or roadblocks or hesitations," he said.
The Pentagon chief added that the US President believes an alliance cannot be considered truly strong if some countries are not ready to stand by the US when it is needed.
Escalating tensions between the US and NATO
Amid the war with Iran, discussions have already emerged in the United States about a possible reassessment of Washington’s role in NATO. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that after the operation against Iran is completed, the United States may rethink its participation in the Alliance.
He cited the refusal of some allies to provide support, as well as the closure of bases and airspace to the US.
In particular, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said that the country would not allow US aircraft to use its airspace during operations against Iran.
Earlier, Madrid had already denied Washington the use of joint bases, forcing the US to relocate at least 12 refueling aircraft. In response, Donald Trump ordered the suspension of all relations with Spain.
In addition, according to media reports, Italy secretly denied US bombers permission to land at the Sigonella base.
France, for its part, did not allow aircraft carrying military cargo bound for Israel to fly over its territory. After that, Trump said that Paris was "very unhelpful" in the operation to eliminate "the Butcher of Iran" and added that the US "will remember" this.
