Selim Ibraimi- In a turbulent world, it is very difficult to predict US-NATO relations. It was clear before that NATO without the US is a weak alliance. Today, things have changed. NATO seems to have suffered more from the harsh criticism between the US and the EU.
Statements by senior officials from both sides of the Atlantic have damaged the unity of the alliance. Differences continue between both sides. NATO chief Mark Rutte tries to cover up disagreements. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is more open. He shows his dissatisfaction with European members in the Iranian crisis.
US-NATO relations, during President Donald Trump’s second term, are at a low point. He has previously been angry with the behavior of European NATO members on the budget. Now, it seems that his patience has run out.
President Trump, regarding the Iranian crisis, said that NATO partners have not helped him and he will remember this. He sharply criticized NATO for its lack of readiness to help in the war against Iran.
“At least we were. I don’t know anymore, to be honest with you,” President Trump said from the White House. President Trump said the war with Iran was a “test” of loyalty for the Europeans. “They weren’t there,” he said of NATO allies.
Before the military attacks on Iran, President Trump said, “We will always be there” for NATO.
But things have gone in the other direction. Spain has openly opposed the war against Iran. It has refused to use its airspace for the US. Madrid and Paris officials have no intention of deploying soldiers. They will not participate in a military mission to the Strait of Hormuz.
France, through its Foreign Minister, harshly criticized Russia and indirectly the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are skeptical of Washington’s approach.
In response to American criticism of the Europeans, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also harsh. Before he left for France for the G7 summit, he said: “I think they (the Europeans) should be happy.” He mentioned, “I’m going.” “Well, again, I’m not there to make them happy,” Rubio said.
Secretary Marco Rubio attended the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France.
The alliance is divided. Comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte exacerbate the disagreements.
Rutte said that some NATO members will participate in the Middle East mission. He expects NATO members to join forces to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He mentioned that European countries were not given advance notice of the war. It took them some time to respond. Rutte appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He said 22 countries have come forward. This includes some countries outside NATO to address security in the Strait.
“The list of countries includes mostly NATO members, along with Australia, Japan, Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and others.
“What do we need? When do we need it? And where do we need it? These three questions have now been elaborated. They respond to US President Donald Trump’s call. The aim is to ensure free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Rutte said.
From the latest statements, it is noticeable that a fragile unity has been formed. However, it is not stable enough for the challenges that await the alliance. This is especially true in relation to the US.
Of the Western Balkan countries, North Macedonia was the last country to be admitted to NATO in March 2020. The governments of the region have supported the US in the recent war against Iran.
If the US asks for help in military personnel, will the NATO member countries from the Balkans be ready? Are they prepared to send soldiers?
The entire last fragile unity is expected to be seen in the future. It is uncertain if it will transform into a coalition like it once was in 1991, 2001, and 2003. NATO’s Article 5 was activated for the first time in September 2001.
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