At a European Political Community summit in Armenia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said European countries “have gotten the message” from the United States about military contributions. Rutte told reporters allies are now working to ensure “agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented.”
His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations that some NATO members have not sufficiently supported Washington amid the conflict with Iran. Rutte acknowledged trans-Atlantic friction but said European capitals are taking U.S. concerns seriously.
The change in tone has been visible in key capitals. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the trans-Atlantic bond, calling the United States Germany’s “most important partner in the North Atlantic Alliance,” after earlier criticizing Trump’s handling of the West Asia conflict. The White House has moved to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe; Trump announced a withdrawal from Germany that exceeds the Pentagon’s previously planned reduction of 5,000 troops.
Merz posted on X that both countries “share a common goal: Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons,” a shift from his April comments that suggested U.S. negotiators had been outmaneuvered in efforts to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions between leaders have continued publicly. Trump told reporters “the German chancellor is doing a terrible job,” urged Merz to focus on domestic issues, and recounted asking whether Merz would want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, saying that answer justified his stance. He later urged Merz on Truth Social to concentrate on the Russia-Ukraine war rather than intervening in efforts to prevent Iran’s nuclear development.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned NATO’s “greatest danger” is internal division and urged partners to work together to reverse fragmentation. Since its 1949 founding, NATO has grown to a 32-country alliance committed to protecting members through political and military solidarity.
