The NATO chief's comments abouot Italy's contribution to the US operations in the Middle East backfired in Rome
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday sought to ease transatlantic tensions by reminding the White House of European contributions to US operations in Iran but reignited a political row in Italy in the process.
Rutte, who is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump later on Wednesday, highlighted broader European participation in maritime security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, including preparations for demining operations during an interview with Fox News.
It came less than a week after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described European allies’ assistance towards the US’s operations in the Middle East as “shameful.”
Rutte also weighed in on Trump’s latest spat with Italy. Citing intelligence and operational data, he said that “around 500 US aircraft took off from American bases in the country to support the Epic Fury operation”.
