Trump criticizes NATO allies over Iran war and considers alliance pullout

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO allies for failing to support the United States during the recent Iran war, declaring that they "were tested, and they failed" as he weighs potential punishments for those not helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz.^[3] This outburst came amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, agreed upon late Tuesday after Trump threatened to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges, warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight."^[1] The ceasefire's terms include reopening the vital shipping waterway, which Iran had effectively blocked, driving up global gas prices, though Iran now claims violations are putting the truce in doubt.^[1][2]

Trump's meeting on Wednesday with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte aimed to address these tensions behind closed doors, with the strait’s reopening as a key focus.^[1] Rutte, who has maintained a notably warm relationship with Trump—earning scrutiny from some European countries for his "endless support" of the US president—has defended backing the American strikes on Iran.^[1] Earlier, Rutte praised the US actions at a Brussels press conference, stating they were degrading Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, which NATO has long opposed.^[2][3] Despite this, Trump expressed deep disappointment in the alliance, reportedly considering a US pullout after allies ignored his calls for assistance.^[1]

The conflict escalated when the US, alongside Israel, bombed Iran, prompting the Hormuz blockade and testing a related US-Israel ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance is now set to lead upcoming Iran talks, signaling a potential shift in US diplomatic strategy. European leaders have raised alarms over the bombing campaign's consequences, questioning Rutte's close ties to Trump and whether they align with broader alliance interests.^[2]

This rift matters deeply for global security and energy markets, as the Hormuz strait handles about 20% of the world's oil trade, and its prolonged closure threatens economic fallout worldwide. NATO's unity is at stake, with upcoming summits—like one in The Hague—now overshadowed by Iran tensions rather than focusing on threats from Russia.^[4] Europeans affected include higher energy costs and pressure to boost defense spending, while the US faces isolation if allies remain unresponsive. What happens next hinges on the ceasefire's survival and Rutte's ability to mend ties, with Trump’s reported punishment plans—such as reduced commitments or funding cuts—looming over unhelpful partners.^[3] Bloomberg reports indicate the truce remains shaky, with no clear timeline for full strait access.^[2][4]