US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Nato, warning that he is 'absolutely' considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance. In an interview with Reuters, Trump stated that the matter was 'beyond reconsideration' after allies, including Spain, refused to join the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Trump has long been sceptical of Nato's benefits to the US, but his rhetoric has escalated since European allies declined to participate in the month-long military campaign against Iran. The president told The Telegraph that he had never been 'swayed by Nato' and signalled his intention to express his discontent in a national address.
Former US ambassador Ivo Daalder described the situation as 'the worst crisis Nato has ever confronted', noting that trust within the alliance has been severely damaged. 'It’s hard to see how any European country will now be able and willing to trust the United States to come to its defence,' Daalder wrote.
Trump launched the war on Iran on 28 February without consulting Nato allies, and the conflict has led to an oil price surge and global shortages. European allies have declared the attack illegal and withheld support, prompting Trump to denounce them as 'cowards' and criticise the UK's naval capabilities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump's stance, suggesting that Nato had become a 'one-way street' where America helps Europe but receives no support in return. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed the administration's jibes as 'noise', reaffirming that 'this is not our war, and we’re not going to get dragged into it'.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb told Trump that a 'more European Nato' was taking shape, with Europe shouldering more responsibility. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has attempted to appease Trump by expressing support for the Iran war, despite opposition from other members.
