Marco Rubio Questions NATO As Iran War Strains Ties, Says ‘It Can’t Be A One-Way Street’

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 08:58 IST

Marco Rubio said there was “no doubt” that the US would have to reexamine its ties with NATO after the West Asia conflict ends.

With the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) snubbing the United States in war against Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that America may reassess its relationship with NATO once the war against Iran concludes. In an interview with Fox News, Rubio renewed its criticism of NATO, warning it that Washington would need to take a fresh look at the alliance and its value to the country.

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Rubio said there was “no doubt" that the US would have to reexamine its ties with NATO after the conflict ends. He stressed that the review would focus on what the alliance delivers for the United States.

“I think there’s no doubt that, unfortunately, once this conflict is over, we’ll have to take a fresh look at that relationship. We’ll need to reconsider what NATO brings to our country within that alliance," said Rubio.

He added that the final decision would rest with Donald Trump. Rubio noted that he had long been one of NATO’s strongest defenders during his time in the US Senate, saying he had previously found “great value" in the alliance.

US access to military bases a key concern

A central issue raised by Rubio was access to military bases. He said if NATO arrangements prevent the US from using allied bases to defend its interests, it raises serious concerns.

“If now we have reached a point where the NATO alliance means that we can’t use those bases… then NATO is a one-way street," he said.

He also pointed out that while Washington is not asking allies to conduct airstrikes in the Iran war, it expects support in the form of access to military infrastructure.

Allies reluctant to support US amid Iran conflict

Rubio questioned the reluctance of some NATO partners to support US operations linked to the conflict. He said that if allies refuse to allow the use of their bases when needed, it prompts a broader question about the purpose of the alliance.

His comments come as President Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO members for not backing US and Israeli efforts in the war against Iran.

Europe pushback adds to tensions

Recent decisions by European countries have added to the strain. Spain has barred American aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from its airspace. Italy has declined to allow US bombers heading to the Middle East to land at its bases.

The United Kingdom also initially refused to allow the US to use a Royal Air Force base, before later reversing its stance.

Strait of Hormuz crisis 

The tensions are unfolding against the backdrop of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. The waterway carries roughly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil supply and has been effectively blocked by Iran following US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

This has added pressure on Washington to secure operational flexibility in the region, including access to allied bases.

Rubio’s remarks underline growing friction within the alliance during the Iran conflict. While he reaffirmed his past support for NATO, his comments suggest that the outcome of the war could shape how the United States views its role within the alliance going forward.

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