ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled he may withdraw the United States from NATO, escalating tensions with European allies over their refusal to support military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
In interviews published on Wednesday, Trump said he was “strongly considering” and “absolutely” weighing a US exit from the alliance, describing NATO as a “paper tiger” after allies declined to back efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He is expected to expand on the threat in a prime-time national address, according to US officials.
Trump also linked continued US military support for Ukraine to European participation in securing the vital shipping route, warning the alliance faced a “very bad future” without greater burden-sharing. The Strait has been largely disrupted following Iran’s response to US-Israeli strikes that began in late February.
European leaders swiftly rejected the pressure. Emmanuel Macron stressed that NATO is a defensive transatlantic alliance, not a mechanism for intervention in the Gulf conflict. “We are not a party to the conflict,” he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also resisted US demands, initially restricting access to British bases before allowing only limited, case-specific cooperation.
Other allies have taken firmer steps.
Spain denied US military aircraft access to its airspace and bases, while Italy blocked use of facilities in Sicily. Several countries, including Poland, Switzerland, and Australia, have also declined requests for logistical or operational support.
The dispute highlights growing transatlantic divisions as the Iran war enters its fifth week, disrupting global energy flows and pushing oil prices higher. While Trump has framed the issue as a test of allied commitment, European governments insist on avoiding escalation and adhering to international law.
A formal US withdrawal from NATO would require approval from Congress under recent legislation, though Washington could still weaken the alliance in practice.
