Nato chief says Trump ‘clearly disappointed’ by US allies’ refusal to join Iran war
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Donald Trump was "clearly disappointed" that US allies refused to join its war against Iran, following a private meeting in Washington.
- Trump criticized NATO as a "paper tiger" and threatened to leave the alliance after members did not support US efforts to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid rising global oil prices.
- The meeting occurred shortly after a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which included reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump's threat to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure.
- Despite Trump's long-standing criticism and threats to withdraw from NATO, a 2023 law requires Congressional approval for any US president to leave the alliance, complicating his efforts.
- Republican Senator Mitch McConnell urged Trump to maintain strong alliances, highlighting NATO’s historic support after 9/11, while NATO allies continue coordinating on Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and burden-sharing issues.
