How Spain and Italy "Finished Off" NATO Amid Removing U.S. From Alliance Is Now “Beyond Reconsideration”
en.defence-ua.com • • world
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump declared that removing America from NATO is now "beyond reconsideration," criticizing the alliance as a "paper tiger" and expressing skepticism about European NATO partners' participation in a potential war against Iran.
- Trump also disparaged the UK's military capabilities, claiming it "doesn't even have a navy" and has non-functional aircraft carriers, statements made during an interview with The Telegraph.
- These remarks follow earlier comments from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggesting the US would reassess its NATO relationship after any conflict with Iran, indicating a possible finalized decision to leave the alliance.
- Tensions with NATO allies Spain and Italy escalated after Spain restricted US military use of its bases and airspace for operations against Iran, and Italy denied landing rights to US fighter jets at Sigonella air base due to parliamentary consent requirements.
- The Italian government's refusal to allow US planes to land at Sigonella, communicated to the US ambassador, reflects constitutional and political constraints, marking a shift from previous tacit acceptance of US military use of Italian bases.
