US President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering withdrawing the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after allies declined to support his military demands during the Iran conflict. He described NATO as a “paper tiger” and said leaving the alliance was now “beyond reconsideration,” signaling growing frustration with European partners.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Alliance Tensions
The dispute followed NATO partners’ refusal to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil normally travels. Iran has effectively closed the route for weeks, pushing oil and gas prices higher and raising fears of a global recession. Trump argued the United States had supported allies in previous conflicts, including involvement connected to Ukraine, but claimed allies failed to respond when asked.
Criticism of UK and Calls to Re-examine NATO Role
Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, questioning Britain’s naval strength and defense priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described NATO as a “one-way street” and said the United States would need to re-examine its membership once the Iran conflict ends.
Funding Pressure, Article 5 Debate and Future Plans
Trump is also considering a NATO restructuring that could punish members failing to meet funding commitments and introduce a “pay-to-play” model affecting decision-making. Reports suggest he may withdraw US troops from Germany, while debate has intensified over Article 5, NATO’s mutual defense clause invoked only once after the 9/11 attacks, when more than 1,100 non-US troops, including 457 British soldiers, died in Afghanistan.
Trump is expected to deliver a national address outlining the war’s progress, stating the conflict could end within two to three weeks with the aim of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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