Trump Blasts NATO Over Failing to Back U.S. in War Against Iran

(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of NATO, accusing European allies of failing to back Washington during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The remarks followed a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington on Wednesday.

“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” Trump posted on Thursday on his platform, Truth Social, underscoring growing tensions within the alliance.

The latest outburst comes after weeks of mounting frustration from Trump, who has repeatedly faulted European members for declining to support U.S. efforts—particularly regarding reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively shut by Tehran.

Speaking after the closed-door meeting, Rutte characterized the talks as a “very frank, very open” exchange between “two good friends.” However, in a Thursday interview with CNN, he acknowledged that Trump was “clearly disappointed” by allies’ refusal to join the Iran conflict. When pressed multiple times on whether Trump had signaled intentions to withdraw from NATO, Rutte declined to give a direct answer.

According to a report by media, citing a senior NATO official, Washington used the meeting to push European allies for firm commitments to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. reportedly requested concrete operational plans within days to ensure safe maritime navigation through the critical waterway.

Rutte has faced scrutiny across Europe over what critics describe as a deferential stance toward Trump. During a joint appearance last year, he jokingly referred to the U.S. president as “Daddy,” a remark that drew widespread media attention and ridicule.

Despite acknowledging the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, key European NATO members—including Spain, Germany, and the European Union—have resisted U.S. calls for deeper military involvement. Officials have instead prioritized defensive measures and de-escalation, declining to deploy forces, expand missions, or grant broader access to bases and airspace.

Ahead of the Washington meeting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO is “something the president has discussed,” adding that Trump could raise the issue directly with Rutte.

Separately, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned last week that NATO’s future remains uncertain, noting that Washington is not currently in a position to reaffirm its commitment to collective defense. He cited Trump as saying that “you don’t have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them.”

MENAFN09042026000045017169ID1110962874