According to a report by Fox News on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that Washington could reconsider its relationship with the NATO following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, citing frustration over what he described as limited support from key allies.
Speaking in an interview with FOX News on Tuesday, Rubio said the conclusion of the war could prompt a broader review of the alliance’s value to the United States.
“After this conflict is concluded, we’re going to have to reexamine that relationship. We’re going to have to re-examine the value of NATO and that alliance for our country,” he said, adding that the final decision would rest with Donald Trump.
Rubio expressed concern over what he characterized as reluctance among NATO members to assist U.S. military efforts, particularly in granting access to strategic bases across Europe.
“We’re not asking them to conduct airstrikes,” he said. “When we need them to allow us to use their military bases, their answer is ‘No.’ Then why are we in NATO?”
The secretary of state, who described himself as a long-time supporter of the alliance, acknowledged that NATO has historically played a critical role in enabling U.S. global military operations. American forces stationed across Europe have provided Washington with logistical and strategic advantages for decades.
However, Rubio warned that the partnership risks becoming unbalanced if allies continue to limit cooperation during critical moments.
“Why do we have all these American forces stationed in the region if, in our time of need, we’re not going to be allowed to use those bases?” he asked, cautioning that the alliance could devolve into “a one-way street.”
His remarks come amid reports that several European allies have declined or restricted U.S. requests tied to the Iran conflict. Concerns among these countries reportedly center on the legal basis for the military campaign, as well as the absence of formal NATO consultation prior to U.S. actions.
Italy is said to have denied a request for U.S. aircraft to land at a military facility in Sicily, while Spain has reportedly refused authorization for the use of its bases or airspace for operations linked to the conflict.
Other major NATO members, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have taken a more cautious approach. While offering defensive support to regional partners, these countries have stopped short of direct involvement and have consistently called for de-escalation.