European nations have "gotten the message" from US President Donald Trump and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Monday.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attends the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, May 4, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
"Yes, there has been some disappointment from the US side, but Europeans have listened," Rutte told reporters at the 8th European Political Community summit in Armenia.
"They are now making sure that all the bilateral basing agreements are being implemented," he said.
Rutte also said "more and more" European nations were pre-positioning assets such as mine hunters and minesweepers near the Gulf in preparation for a "next phase."
NATO member Spain has said military bases on its territory cannot be used for the war with Iran. However, Rutte said other NATO countries – including Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Britain, France and Germany – were implementing requests for the use of bases and other logistical support.
Trump has accused some NATO nations of not doing enough to support the United States in the Iran conflict. In a further sign of his discontent with European allies, the US announced on Friday plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
Multiple European nations have said they are willing to take part in a mission to help ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once the war is over.