The possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO was left open by American president Donald Trump, causing panic among European partners who face the prospect of the North Atlantic Alliance dissolving for the first time since its founding in the 1950s. Indeed, US president Donald Trump appears convinced that he could make the decision for Washington to leave NATO without the approval of the American Congress.
"I don't need permission from Congress to take the US out of NATO"
"I don't need Congress to make this decision, as you probably know. I can take it myself," he stated in response to journalists' questions during his meeting with Irish prime minister Micheal Martin at the White House. The American leader was asked to clarify if he is re-evaluating relations with NATO following the refusal of European allies to participate in the proposed military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the United States might abandon the Alliance.
"Right now I am not considering withdrawal, but..."
At the same time, the US president essentially stated that he is not currently considering a withdrawal from NATO. "When you say 're-evaluation,' I don't have something like that in mind at this moment," he explained. "But I cannot say that I am thrilled," he emphasized. In this context, the White House strongman blamed NATO, among other things, for the worsening of the American public debt and federal budget deficits. "We have spent trillions of dollars on NATO. Many trillions. Over the years. Think about it. It is one of the reasons we have deficits," noted Donald Trump. "We help other countries. And when they don't help us, then, of course, we must think about it," the American president added.
The US supported the Europeans in Ukraine but they leave us... alone in Iran
The United States supported NATO in the conflict in Ukraine, but the Alliance failed to assist Washington in the war with Iran, US president Donald Trump pointedly emphasized earlier in a speech broadcast live from the White House. "We helped with Ukraine, but they didn't help us with Iran. And they themselves admit that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons," the American leader stressed. Donald Trump noted that the Biden administration had transferred between $350 and $400 billion in weapons and money to Kyiv. He even claimed that without this aid, Ukraine "would have been finished in one day." Previously, Donald Trump harshly criticized US allies for their refusal to participate in the military operation against Iran. He also stated that the United States no longer needs NATO assistance, as it has already achieved significant success in the confrontation with the Islamic Republic.
"The US expresses deep disappointment with NATO"
The United States is expressing deep disappointment with NATO's stance regarding the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. "I am disappointed with NATO, very disappointed. I am also disappointed with a few more countries," he told reporters during his meeting with Irish prime minister Micheal Martin at the White House, commenting on the progress of Washington's dialogue with foreign allies on developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, the American president demanded NATO assistance to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the Alliance "will face difficult times" if it does not help Washington. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, also stated that the Alliance is discussing sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz. Such a move could require a modification of the mandate of the European naval operation Aspides in the Red Sea, which began in February 2024 in response to Houthi attacks from Yemen against commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Trump at a fatal impasse: "NATO will abstain from the war in Iran" - "We can win alone"
The majority of NATO allies informed the United States that they do not intend to participate in the military operation against Iran, US president Donald Trump revealed earlier via the Truth Social platform. According to the American president, "most NATO 'allies' made it known to the United States that they do not intend to take part in a military operation against Iran." "Because we have achieved tremendous military success, we no longer desire nor need help from NATO countries—and we never needed it. The same applies to Japan, Australia, and South Korea," the American president claimed, adding that Washington "does not need help from anyone."
Macron's "slap" to Trump: France will never participate in operations in the Strait of Hormuz
Previously, Emmanuel Macron made it clear that France will never participate in operations to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, also responding negatively to Donald Trump's demand. He noted that his country continues work on preparing a coalition that could provide freedom of navigation once hostilities end. "We are not an involved party in the conflict and therefore France will never participate in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context," the French president stated at the start of a cabinet meeting to discuss the conflicts in the Middle East. France "did not choose this war," its stance is purely defensive, aiming at the protection of its citizens and the support of its allies, he clarified.
Kremlin: Trump will not forget NATO’s ungrateful stance in the Iran war - The EU will be punished
US president Donald Trump is disappointed with NATO countries and will not forget the lack of support for opening Hormuz, emphasized Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of Russian president Putin for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries.
President Trump is disappointed in and criticizes NATO over “a very foolish mistake.” He won’t forget the lack of reciprocity. ? https://t.co/ZvpxQGirjX
— Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) March 17, 2026
"President Trump is disappointed with NATO and criticizes it for a 'very stupid mistake.' He will not forget the lack of reciprocity," he wrote on X. Earlier, the American leader told reporters that US partners in NATO are committing a "very stupid mistake" by refusing to take action in the American-Israeli war against Iran.
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