Rubio: Trump Has Not Decided How to Respond to Allies Refusing Base Use

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that President Donald Trump has yet to finalize a course of action following the refusal of some allied nations to permit the American military to utilize their bases. Trump has threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain due to their opposition to the war against Iran, with Madrid notably rejecting the use of its bases.

Rubio told reporters during his visit to Rome, "If one of the main reasons for the US presence in NATO is the ability to deploy forces in Europe that can be used in other emergencies, and that is no longer possible, at least with some alliance members, then this is a problem that must be examined." He added, "Ultimately, the decision rests with the president," emphasizing that Trump "has not made these decisions yet."

Rubio clarified that the announcement regarding the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany was "pre-planned" and indicates a return to 2022 levels. He continued, "We have global commitments around the world. We have troop deployments worldwide. These commitments are constantly changing and evolving." He also stated, "Although we may be the strongest country in the world and possess the greatest resources, our resources are not unlimited," and "We must always allocate resources around the world, including military resources, according to what serves the national interest."

Rubio noted that "this is a decision that falls on the president, especially in light of recent developments in some NATO countries and their stance towards the United States. But no decision has been made on this matter yet."

Italy recently refused to allow some US aircraft heading to the Middle East on a combat mission to land at the Sigonella base in eastern Sicily, according to sources in the Defense Ministry and Italian media. Under the terms of agreements with the United States, US military aircraft can use some Italian bases but only for logistical purposes.

Trump has, during his two terms in the White House, threatened to reduce the number of US troops in Germany and other allied European countries, stating he wants Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense instead of relying on Washington. He now appears determined to punish allies who did not support the United States in the Middle East war or did not contribute to a force to ensure freedom of navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.