US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that the White House is "very upset" with NATO members for "going into hiding" during the Iran war. The top American diplomat made this criticism as he headed to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden.
Rubio's Remarks
Speaking to reporters in Florida before flying to the NATO summit, Rubio said: "I don't think anyone is shocked to know that the United States, and the president in particular, is very disappointed at NATO right now." While a long-time supporter of the alliance, Rubio noted that the refusal by members like Spain to allow use of their bases made the US question the benefit of membership.
UK Under Fire
Although Rubio did not specifically name the UK, President Donald Trump has been scathing over Britain's reluctance to be drawn into the conflict, accusing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of being weak and deriding the Royal Navy. This has sparked reports that the US could review its position on Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands as punishment.
The Prime Minister refused to give the US free rein in using British military bases to carry out attacks against Iran, limiting permission to defensive strikes on missile sites. Tensions also arose over the response to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which was open to shipping before the US and Israel offensive against Iran.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Tehran's stranglehold on the Gulf waterway has shocked global economies, including the UK's, and led to a spike in oil prices. Washington argues that Europe needs the sea route "much more than we do" and that ensuring free transit is "much more their fight than ours." Plans by Britain and France to protect shipping in the waterway after hostilities end have also been challenged by the US, with Rubio arguing "it doesn't make sense."
Rubio's Justification
Rubio added: "Understand that there are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world. So the president said, 'fine, I'm going to do something about it.' He's not asking them to commit troops. He's not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything." He stated that the US is "stepping forward to do something about it, and everyone goes into hiding."
Tolls on the Strait
Rubio also lambasted moves by Tehran to impose a levy on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "completely illegal" and a threat to the world. President Trump echoed this, saying: "We want it open, we want it free. We don't want tolls. It's an international waterway."
