Washington: US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed gratitude towards Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his previous support of legislation requiring Senate approval for any United States withdrawal from NATO. This acknowledgment comes in light of President Donald Trump reviving discussions about leaving the alliance.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio had previously emphasized the necessity of Senate involvement in such a significant decision. In a 2023 post on the US social media platform X, Rubio stated, "No US President should be able to withdraw from NATO without Senate approval." Schumer echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Senate would not support leaving NATO merely due to Trump's dissatisfaction over allies not supporting his military strategies.

Schumer further praised Rubio for his 2023 sponsorship of a bill that mandates a two-thirds Senate vote to prevent impulsive presidential actions regarding NATO. Rubio reiterated his stance during a television appearance, underscoring the strategic value of NATO for the US in projecting power and addressing national security threats. However, he expressed concerns about NATO becoming a 'one-way street,' criticizing European leaders for their hesitance to back US military efforts against Iran.

Reports indicate Trump's frustration with European allies' reluctance to deploy naval forces to safeguard oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump recently labeled NATO members as 'cowards' and a 'paper tiger,' further highlighting his longstanding skepticism towards the alliance. In his interview with The Telegraph, Trump remarked, "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and (Russian President) Putin knows that too, by the way."