‘Why Are We in NATO?’ — Rubio Questions Alliance as US Rethinks Military Access

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, has said Washington may reexamine its relationship with NATO after the ongoing war against Iran, raising fresh concerns over the future of the decades-long military alliance.

Speaking on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Mr Rubio said the United States would reassess the value of NATO once the conflict ends.

“I think there’s no doubt, unfortunately, after this conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship. We’re going to have to reexamine the value of NATO in that alliance for our country,” he said.

Mr Rubio’s remarks come amid reports that several European countries have limited US military access to their territories during the Iran conflict.

Italy reportedly denied a US aircraft permission to land while en route to the Middle East for a combat mission.

Similarly, Spain is said to have closed its airspace to US planes carrying out operations against Iran.

Mr Rubio added that the final decision would rest with President Donald Trump.

The top US diplomat noted that he had long been a strong supporter of NATO during his time in the Senate, citing its strategic importance.

Strategic concerns

Mr Rubio explained that one of NATO’s key benefits has been access to military bases across Europe, which allow the United States to project power globally.

Much of that value, he said, lies in the ability of the US military to operate from allied territories during international missions.

Growing tension

However, he warned that the alliance risks becoming ineffective if member states restrict US military operations.

“If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can’t use those bases, that in fact we can no longer use those bases to defend America’s interests, then NATO is a one-way street,” he said.

Mr Rubio questioned the purpose of the alliance if allies refuse to cooperate on critical military logistics.

“When we need them to allow us to use their military bases, their answer is ‘No?’ Then why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question,” he added.

The development highlights growing strains within NATO as geopolitical tensions escalate, particularly over military cooperation and operational control.

It also raises broader questions about the future of transatlantic alliances, especially as global conflicts increasingly test the unity and strategic priorities of member states.