Will NATO Dissolve? US to Review Relations with NATO

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington may review its relationship with the NATO defence alliance after the conflict against Iran ends. In an interview with Fox News, Rubio said the decision is necessary to reassess NATO’s strategic value for the United States.

“I think it’s beyond doubt, unfortunately, after this conflict ends, we must review that relationship. We must review NATO’s value in that alliance for our country,” Rubio said, as quoted by AFP, Wednesday (1/4/2026).

“However, the final decision on the direction of that relationship lies with President Donald Trump,” he added.

Further, Rubio revealed that during his tenure as a senator, he was one of NATO’s strong supporters. Especially considering the significant benefits from the alliance, particularly the presence of US military bases in Europe.

According to him, those bases allow the US military to project power to various regions of the world. However, he questioned NATO’s relevance if access to those facilities begins to be restricted.

“If we have now reached the point where the NATO alliance means we cannot use those bases to defend American interests, then NATO is a one-way street,” he emphasised.

Rubio also highlighted the stance of several European allies deemed not to provide full support in the conflict against Iran. He noted that although the US did not request direct involvement in airstrikes, access to military bases is crucial.

“When we need them to allow the use of their military bases, the answer is ‘no’? Then why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question,” Rubio said.

The statement comes after several European countries reportedly restricted US military access. Italy is said to have refused permission for US military aircraft landing en route to the Middle East for combat missions, while Spain closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in operations against Iran.