Report from Armenia: European allies have grasped Trump’s message and begun securing military bases

European response to Washington’s pressure

Rutte acknowledged tensions within the alliance, saying, “Yes, there was some disappointment and frustration on the American side regarding the positions of some allies, but the Europeans have now heard the message clearly.”

He emphasized that European countries are currently working diligently to ensure the implementation of all bilateral deployment agreements related to military bases. This comes in response to American demands for more effective support.

These moves come after sharp criticism from President Trump directed at several NATO members, accusing them of failing to adequately support the United States during the current military confrontation with Iran.

As concrete evidence of this discontent, Washington took the escalatory step last week of withdrawing 5,000 troops stationed in Germany. This sent a strong signal about the seriousness with which the US administration is reassessing its alliances based on the “level of participation.”

Naval buildup towards the Gulf

In a related development, Rutte revealed a growing trend among European countries to bolster their military presence in the Middle East. He noted that “more and more” countries have begun deploying strategic naval assets, such as minesweepers, near the Arabian Gulf region.

The Secretary-General explained that these deployments aim to enhance readiness for what he termed the “next phase” of operations. They also seek to secure vital shipping lanes amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Rutte’s statement reflects a shift in the European position from “reservation” to “active participation.” This comes as an effort to contain the White House’s anger and ensure the continuation of the American security umbrella. It also occurs at a time when Trump insists on a policy of “burden-sharing” as a prerequisite for the continuation of the traditional transatlantic military alliance.