European leaders “perfectly understood” Donald Trump's message of frustration regarding Iran, NATO chief Mark Rutte assured on Monday, after the unexpected announcement on the withdrawal of American soldiers from Germany, reports AFP.
“The United States was somewhat disappointed by the European reaction to the current situation in the Middle East,” the alliance's secretary general said upon his arrival at the summit in Armenia.
“I would say that, from what I'm told by all of my contacts among European leaders, they've got the message from the United States right, they've received it perfectly” and “they're moving into high gear” on this issue, he said.
Kallas: “We really need to do more”
Pressured by Donald Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany, the Europeans also said they would accelerate the strengthening of their own defense capabilities.
The moment chosen by Donald Trump to announce this withdrawal was “a surprise”, even if this decision itself was expected, pointed out the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas.
“I think this shows that we really need to strengthen NATO's European pillar and that we really need to do more,” she added on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
“Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defense and security spending and building common solutions,” added French President Emmanuel Macron.
Trump got mad at the Europeans
Donald Trump has accused several European partners of refusing any military or logistical contribution to Washington-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz against Iran.
In particular, he said last week that he was considering reducing US forces stationed in Germany after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the Americans “obviously (had) no strategy” in Iran.
“We need more independence in terms of defense and security. We need to strengthen our military capabilities to defend and protect ourselves,” stressed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, adding that “what we need to do now is to accelerate the production” of military equipment.
