Rubio Says NATO Must Benefit All Members Ahead of Sweden Meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that NATO must remain beneficial for every member nation, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibilities within the military alliance. Speaking before a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio stressed that all participating countries should clearly understand their commitments and expectations.

Rubio noted that the upcoming NATO discussions in Sweden are expected to help prepare for the NATO leaders summit scheduled to take place later this year in Ankara, Turkey. According to Rubio, the alliance’s long-term strength depends on fairness and cooperation among member states.

“Like any alliance, it has to be good for everyone who’s involved. There has to be a clear understanding of what the expectations are,” Rubio said during remarks ahead of the meeting.

The NATO meeting comes at a time when global security concerns continue to rise, particularly regarding tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Officials are expected to discuss defense spending, regional security strategies, and coordination among allied nations during the Sweden gathering.

Rubio also addressed concerns surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and energy supplies. He warned that any attempt by Iran to introduce a tolling system in the strategic waterway would be considered unacceptable by the United States.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, with a significant portion of global oil exports passing through the narrow channel each day. Any disruption in the region could impact international energy markets and global trade.

The NATO summit in Ankara later this year is expected to focus heavily on security cooperation, military readiness, and geopolitical challenges facing alliance members in 2026.