The head of American diplomacy Marco Rubio told his NATO allies this Friday, May 22, that it will be necessary to “respond” to Donald Trump’s “concerns” over the Middle East.
“The president’s feelings – frankly, his concern about some of our NATO allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East – are well known; they will need to be addressed, but they will not be resolved or addressed today,” the secretary said. of State on the occasion of a NATO ministerial meeting in Sweden.
The American president has not let up since the Europeans refused to commit to his side in the war he launched on February 28 with Israel against Iran. Last April, the White House criticized NATO member states for having “turned their backs” on the United States. “They were put to the test, and they failed,” spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared during a press briefing, saying she was directly quoting American President Donald Trump.
“Some slight progress”
In response to Marco Rubio’s statements, Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte assured that the Europeans have not remained inactive. They “heard the message,” he said. Warships have been prepositioned near the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran, as part of an international coalition set up by London and Paris. Donald Trump continues to demand that his European allies act to reopen this strategic maritime route, through which a fifth of the oil consumed in the world passes. It also demands that Europeans take greater responsibility for their own security.
“We are waiting for news of the discussions that are underway. There has been some slight progress (…) but the fundamental points remain the same. Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons. It simply cannot with this regime”, estimates Marco Rubio before adding: “We will have to address the question of high uranium enrichment. And then well Of course, there is also the question of the strait.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
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