US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may withdraw from NATO, expressing frustration over what he described as insufficient support from allied nations in the ongoing Iran war.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump said the idea of leaving NATO is no longer under reconsideration but is approaching a final decision. His remarks mark the clearest signal yet from the White House that Washington’s confidence in European allies as reliable defense partners is eroding.
The tension escalated after several NATO members reportedly refused Trump’s request to deploy naval forces to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted amid the conflict with Iran. The waterway is crucial for global energy supplies, carrying nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil.
Trump sharply criticized the alliance, claiming he had always viewed NATO as ineffective. He also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin shares that perception.
The US leader further took aim at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing the United Kingdom of failing to support US-led military efforts. He mocked the state of the Royal Navy, describing it as outdated and unprepared for conflict.
In response, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to NATO, calling it “the most effective military alliance in history,” while emphasizing that the Iran conflict is not Britain’s war.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described NATO as a “one-way street,” arguing that while the US is expected to defend allies, it does not always receive reciprocal support, including access to military bases when needed.
Despite Trump’s strong rhetoric, withdrawing from NATO would not be straightforward. A 2023 US law requires either Senate approval or an act of Congress for any such move, limiting the president’s ability to unilaterally exit the alliance.
Trump is expected to address the nation soon, where he will provide updates on the Iran war, which he claims could conclude within two to three weeks.
