The US and its NATO allies have, on “a practical and military level”, an “excellent relationship” and cooperate continuously, Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds told Euronews’ flagship morning programme, Europe Today.
“I see that the alliance remains strong, that it is one for all, all for one, that it is beneficial for all member states, including the United States,” Sprūds said, adding that he prefers to focus more on “practical cooperation” rather than the denigrating public statements coming from the White House.
Minister Sprūds also affirmed that he has “no doubt that the US would come to help” should the Alliance’s mutual defence clause, Article 5, be triggered.
Relations between the US and other NATO allies have reached a historic low since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, and have further deteriorated amid the Iran war.
Trump has publicly disparaged NATO allies for refusing to come to the US’s aid in its operations in the Middle East, and has openly threatened a US exit from the alliance.
Asked whether the Iran war risks diverting US-made weapons and military hardware from Ukraine and Europe to the Middle East, thereby undermining European security, Sprūds acknowledged “potential shortages”.
“We might see some shortages, and some countries have admitted it, that actually there are some delays,” Sprūds said, but attributed the shortages to broader limitations in the global defence industry.
In the run-up to its initial attacks on Iran in late February, the US carried out its largest build-up of military assets in the Middle East since its 2003 invasion of Iraq, prompting fears of shortages elsewhere.
US officials have warned some European nations of potential delays to the delivery of previously approved orders of US-made weapons amid a stockpile strain. The Nordic and Baltic countries are feared to be particularly affected.
US and Europe should solve Hormuz crisis ‘together’
Sprūds also indicated that there is an appetite in Europe to contribute to the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway which has been effectively closed for the past two months amid hostilities in the Middle East, prompting a global energy shock.
He added that Latvia stood ready to contribute to joint European efforts to reopen the Strait once hostilities had ended. France and the UK are jointly spearheading efforts to prepare a mission to the Strait, with NATO military planners developing the plan.
While the details of these plans are scarce, officials say the focus would be on both restoring free navigation and demining efforts.
Sprūds also welcomed the start of the process to unblock the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. While the loan is “crucial”, he called for further European efforts to put Ukraine in a position of strength.
“Ukraine fights our war as well. Ukraine defends our values and interests.”