Speaking to reporters at the European Political Community summit in Armenia, Rutte said European governments were ensuring that bilateral basing agreements were being carried out and that more countries were pre‑positioning naval assets, including minehunters and other vessels, near the Gulf. Trump has accused some NATO members of not doing enough to support the United States, while the Pentagon has announced plans to withdraw around 5,000 US troops from Germany. Spain has refused to allow its bases and airspace to be used for operations against Iran, but Rutte said several other NATO allies were providing basing or logistical support. He added that European nations were also preparing for a possible mission to help protect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities subside. “Europeans are stepping up,” Rutte said.