Rubio says he's a 'strong supporter' of NATO as intra-bloc tensions escalate

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday reiterated his support for NATO during a trip to Italy, highlighting the importance of the alliance at a time of tension between the United States and its European allies.

Trump administration officials, including Rubio, have publicly questioned the value of NATO amid the Iran war, expressing disappointment with the tepid support of European states for the conflict.

Rubio declared himself a "strong supporter" of NATO following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Politico reported. He further described the conversation as "productive."

The meeting comes as the Trump administration mulls troop withdrawals from Central Europe, notably from Germany. Meloni has voiced opposition to any possible withdrawal of American forces from Italy.

Rome has also been critical of the Iran war and even denied American forces use of their airfields in limited instances. In March, for instance, Italy declined to let American bombers land at a Sicilian airbase, since they did not receive advance permission.

Another NATO nation, Spain, has declined to let the U.S. use its bases for strikes on Iran altogether, leading to several public rows between Madrid and Washington.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.