US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible NATO exit, calling the alliance a “paper tiger” amid disagreements over the Iran conflict, raising concerns about global security ties.
Trump calls alliance 'paper tight' as bloc dithers on joining Iran war
Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may reconsider its membership in the NATO, describing the alliance as a “paper tiger” amid growing disagreements with European allies.
In remarks made during a media interaction, Trump suggested that exiting NATO was now under serious consideration, marking one of his strongest statements yet on the future of the transatlantic alliance.
The comments come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, where several NATO members have declined to support US calls for military involvement. The disagreement has widened differences between Washington and its European partners.
A key point of contention has been the refusal by some allies to deploy forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments currently affected by the crisis.
Trump criticised NATO members for what he described as a lack of reciprocity, arguing that the United States has consistently supported its allies in past conflicts. He suggested that similar support has not been extended to Washington in the current situation.
He also directed sharp remarks at the United Kingdom’s leadership, expressing dissatisfaction over its decision not to join US-led military efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar concerns, describing NATO as a “one-way arrangement” and indicating that Washington may review its role in the alliance after the conflict.
Officials have also raised issues about limited access to allied military bases during the ongoing crisis.
The developments have renewed discussions around NATO’s collective defence framework, particularly Article 5, which mandates mutual defence in case of an attack on a member state. Experts note that the provision applies only to defensive scenarios and not to offensive operations like the current conflict.
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Reports suggest that the US administration is considering changes to NATO’s structure, including linking participation to defence spending commitments and reviewing troop deployments in Europe, particularly in Germany.
Trump’s remarks have added to uncertainty around global security arrangements at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Any shift in US policy towards NATO could have far-reaching consequences for international alliances and defence strategies.
