Washington: The United States has indicated that it may reconsider its relationship with NATO as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict with Iran, raising fresh concerns about unity among Western allies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the partnership cannot remain a one way arrangement, stressing that allies must show mutual support during times of crisis. His remarks came after several European countries reportedly declined or limited access to their military bases and airspace for US operations linked to the Iran conflict.
Rubio said the United States has long maintained troops and defence systems in Europe to protect its allies, but questioned the value of such commitments if support is not returned when needed. He pointed out that some NATO members were unwilling to provide full cooperation during the conflict, which has now entered its fifth week.
The war, involving the United States and its ally Israel against Iran, has led to growing instability in the Middle East. It has also pushed up global oil prices and increased fears of a wider regional crisis. Despite the ongoing fighting, US officials say there are signs the conflict may be approaching a turning point, with indirect talks between Washington and Tehran still underway.
Rubio’s comments reflect a broader debate in Washington about the future of NATO and whether the alliance is balanced in terms of responsibility sharing. The issue has gained attention under President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged allies to contribute more to collective defence.
Analysts say any move by the United States to reassess its role in NATO could have major consequences for global security. It may strain relations between the US and European nations and increase pressure on allies to boost military spending and cooperation.
For now, the future of the alliance may depend on how the Iran conflict ends and whether member countries can rebuild trust and coordination in the coming weeks.