NATO leaders must deal with a division in the alliance regarding the response to US military actions against Iran at an upcoming summit in Ankara, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The president's view is, frankly, disappointment at some of our NATO allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East," Rubio said on Friday, as he attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish port city of Helsingborg.
Since the United States and Israel started strikes against Iran in late February, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies over their refusal to participate in the conflict.
"That will have to be addressed. That won't be solved or addressed today. That's something for the leaders' level to discuss," he added. The heads of NATO countries are set to meet in July in the Turkish capital.
Ahead of the ministers' meeting, Rubio shared the administration's frustration over the refusal of countries such as Spain to allow the use of bases for the war against Iran, in an interview shared on YouTube.
After the Helsingborg meeting, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed optimism that divisions within the alliance can be overcome at the upcoming summit.
He said "Rubio has placed great emphasis here on what NATO has in common, and, like all of us, he has fully embraced the idea that we want to, and will, send a message of solidarity and unity in Ankara."
"We now need to work together constructively, and also tackle the challenges of the future as well," the German minister added.
NATO countries mull engagement in Strait of Hormuz
Under the leadership of France and Britain, an international coalition has started preparing for a potential naval mission to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but only following the end of hostilities.
The crucial shipping route for the oil and gas trade has been blocked by Tehran as a retaliation for military actions against Iran.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has not ruled out the alliance providing support for a potential military operation to secure shipping through the Strait.
“Wherever we can help, we will be there,” Rutte said, adding that the issue was in the interests of all allies.
"The Strait of Hormuz is at this moment choked off and the free movement of navigation is seriously under threat here," he said. Rutte did not specify what role NATO might play in a potential operation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated his country's willingness to "pool military mine-clearing and escort capabilities in a strictly defensive capacity, once conditions in the Strait of Hormuz allow it, to let traffic to resume as quickly as possible."
Wadephul said that Germany is also preparing for similar operations under the leadership of the UK and France.
He however expressed reservations about the role of NATO as an alliance in such an engagement. “I do not foresee an immediate NATO mission in the traditional sense in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“Nevertheless, it is clear, we stand by the trans-Atlantic alliance. And the United States can rest assured that it can rely on us at all times," he said.
