Around 5,000 U.S. aircraft sorties were launched from European air bases as part of the military operation against Iran, confirming that Europe remains an important military ally of Washington. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with the Financial Times.
“European countries are delivering on their commitments. This resulted in 4,000, perhaps even up to 5,000 U.S. sorties being flown from European airports in support of Operation ‘Epic Rage,'” Rutte said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that “there is, in general, frustration in the United States over individual cases where Europeans have not always fulfilled” bilateral agreements.