NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has rejected claims that the United States is pulling back from the alliance, insisting Washington remains firmly committed to NATO despite adjustments to its contributions under the bloc’s force model.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, Rutte said recent reports had mischaracterised the changes as a sign of weakening US engagement in Europe.
“The US has made clear that it is committed to NATO,” he said.
Rutte explained that the adjustments relate to responsibilities assigned under NATO’s defence plans in the event they are activated, rather than the current deployment of US troops and military assets across Europe.
“It is not about where forces and assets are currently located, it's about who would do what if our defence plans were activated,” he told reporters.
Europe steps up as NATO adapts
Rutte said the United States expects European allies and Canada to take on a greater share of conventional defence responsibilities while Washington addresses security challenges in other parts of the world.
According to the NATO chief, many of the capabilities no longer pledged by the US are already available among European allies or are expected to become available soon.
“As the United States has adjusted its pledge contributions, other allies have stepped up to contribute more,” he said, adding that while some capability gaps remain, “the overall picture is looking good.”
Rutte also welcomed the recent agreement between the United States and Iran, arguing that US actions against Iran’s military capabilities had enhanced international security.
He said the deal brokered by President Donald Trump created an opportunity to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon and could help restore freedom of navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Several NATO allies, he added, are prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at securing the waterway.
