Washington may review NATO ties after Iran conflict, Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Washington may need to reassess its relationship with NATO in the aftermath of a conflict with Iran.

“I have no doubt that, unfortunately, after this conflict ends, we will have to review this relationship. We will need to reconsider NATO and the value of this alliance for our country. Ultimately, this is the president’s decision, and he will have to make it. But I fear we may have to question whether an alliance that has served this country well for a period still fulfills that purpose, or has it become a one-way street where America defends Europe, but when we need support, our allies restrict base access and flight rights?” Rubio said.

He added that communications between the US and Iran are ongoing and that there is potential for a “direct meeting” between the two sides. Rubio indicated that Washington can foresee the “finish line” of a possible conflict with Iran.

“We see the end line. It is not today, it is not tomorrow, but it is coming,” he said.

Rubio also stressed that “no government or country in the world is currently doing anything to assist Iran in a way that hinders the US mission.”

Turning to Cuba, Rubio said the country requires both economic and political reforms. He suggested that economic recovery is impossible without changes to the governing system and hinted that Washington would soon announce further developments regarding its approach to Cuba.

“I believe Cuba needs two things – economic and political reforms. Their economy cannot be fixed without changing their system of governance,” Rubio said.