Trump Threatens to Quit NATO As Iran War Splits Allies

Donald Trump has dramatically escalated tensions with America’s allies, warning he is “strongly considering” pulling the United States out of NATO after the alliance refused to back his war against Iran.

In an explosive interview, Trump dismissed NATO as a “paper tiger” and said quitting the alliance was now “beyond reconsideration” — a remark likely to send shockwaves through Western capitals already rattled by the growing Middle East conflict.

The president confirmed he is actively reviewing US membership, accusing European allies of failing to support Washington at a critical moment. His anger centres on their refusal to deploy naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies now effectively choked by the war.

“We’ve been there for them automatically,” Trump said. “They weren’t there for us.”

Alliance Under Strain

Trump’s comments leave NATO facing one of the most serious crises in its history. The alliance — founded in 1949 and built on the principle of collective defence — now finds itself under direct pressure from its most powerful member.

The dispute has also raised fresh questions over Article 5, NATO’s core “attack on one is an attack on all” clause, although it does not technically apply to a conflict initiated by the United States.

Mark Rutte is expected to meet Trump in Washington in the coming days in a bid to contain the fallout.

King Praised, Starmer Targeted

In a striking contrast, Trump praised King Charles III as “a friend” who would have backed the US over Iran — while launching fresh attacks on Keir Starmer.

The US president mocked Britain’s military capabilities and accused Starmer of failing to act decisively, claiming the UK had refused to support operations in the Gulf or allow key bases to be used.

“You don’t even have a navy,” Trump said bluntly, in a swipe at Britain’s defence posture.

The remarks underline a widening rift in the so-called “special relationship,” with the two leaders reportedly not speaking for weeks.

Europe Pushes Back

European leaders have scrambled to contain the damage, insisting NATO remains united despite the rhetoric. Alexander Stubb suggested a “more European NATO” may now be emerging as the continent braces for a potential US pullback.

Starmer, for his part, reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to the alliance, calling it “the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen” — while making clear the UK would not be drawn into what he described as “not our war.”

High Stakes, Uncertain Future

Trump’s threats come as global markets wobble under the strain of disrupted oil flows and rising geopolitical risk. With roughly 20% of the world’s oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the standoff carries enormous economic consequences.

Despite the rhetoric, any US withdrawal from NATO would still require approval from Congress — a significant political hurdle.

But the direction of travel is clear: the Iran war is not just reshaping the Middle East — it is now testing the foundations of the Western alliance itself.

SOURCE

Trump will not pull out of NATO.

Doing so would strengthen NATO as its members would have to fend for themselves.

It suits Putin for America to stay in and weaken NATO as Trump has been doing with his rhetoric.

Putin wants the current weakened NATO and Trump will do what Putin wants.

You only have to look at when Putin sent oil to Cuba. Trump did what Putin wanted.