Rubio Reaffirms US Support for NATO

Rubio said NATO membership gives the US valuable bases for power projection but criticized some alliance members for denying access to their facilities during the Iran conflict, calling it a problem that needs examination. " Italy refused to let US aircraft use its Sigonella air base in Sicily last month without prior authorization, and Spain closed its airspace to American warplanes involved in strikes on Iran.

Rubio told reporters the ultimate decision on troop withdrawals belongs to the President. He added that every country must decide whether to normalize Iran's claim to control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that doing so would set a dangerous precedent elsewhere.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe is determined to keep the NATO alliance functioning despite growing divisions with the US over the war in Iran. Speaking at a news conference with Sweden's Prime Minister, Merz said both sides share the goal of ending the conflict and preventing Iran from producing nuclear weapons.

"We are really willing to keep this alliance alive for the future," Merz stated. "We know that there are some differences. The meeting came after Trump called the Pope "weak on crime," remarks that Meloni labeled unacceptable. Rubio said the President speaks clearly about US policy and that Washington and the Vatican could still maintain a productive relationship.

The Vatican said the two renewed their commitment to good bilateral relations. In his first public remarks afterward, the Pope asked God to inspire world leaders to calm global tensions and reduce hatred. >"We are really willing to keep this alliance alive for the future...

Strikes hit residential areas in towns including Saksakiyeh, where at least seven people died including a child, and other locations such as Nabatieh and Haboush. A Hezbollah drone attack wounded three Israeli soldiers near the Lebanon border, one seriously, the Israeli military said.