Trump considering quitting NATO, calls alliance a 'paper tiger'
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has indicated that he is seriously considering pulling the US out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump called NATO a "paper tiger," citing growing rifts with European partners over the ongoing conflict in Iran. He said leaving NATO was now "beyond reconsideration," adding, "I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way."
Alliance criticism
Allies refuse military support in Strait of Hormuz
Trump's remarks come after NATO allies refused to back US requests for military support in securing the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is vital for global oil trade, with nearly 20% of all oil shipments passing through it. Its closure amid the Iran conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. The US president slammed his allies for what he saw as a lack of reciprocity during this crisis.
Leadership rebuke
Trump slams UK PM Starmer for not joining Iran op
Trump also took a dig at British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for not joining the US-Israel military operation in Iran. He said, "You don't even have a navy. You're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump's sentiments, calling NATO a "one-way street" and warning Washington may "re-examine" its role after this conflict.
Article debate
Debate reignited over NATO's Article 5 clause
The discussion has also reignited debates over NATO's Article 5 clause, which mandates collective defense. Officials point out that this clause is only invoked when a member state is attacked, not for offensive operations like the current Iran conflict. Separately, reports say the US administration is mulling structural changes to NATO, such as a "pay-to-play" model linked to defense spending and possibly reducing US troop presence in Germany.