Addressing an investment forum in Miami, Trump also questioned the need for the US to come to the rescue of European Nato members without receiving any support in return.
“We would have always been there for them. But now, based on their actions, I guess we don’t have to be. Why would we be there for them if they’re not there for us?” he told the audience.
Nato members, especially in Europe, have been reluctant to support the US in the ongoing war in West Asia, arguing that they were not consulted before the conflict began on February 28. Some countries like Spain have outrightly opposed the military action against Iran, calling it “unjustified and dangerous.”
TRUMP VS NATO OVER IRAN WAR
Trump has been critical of the Cold War-era military alliance for many years. During his second term, Trump has made comments that questioned his willingness to adhere to Nato’s Article 5, which states that an attack against one member state is an attack on all. Nevertheless, his verbal attacks against Nato have gathered steam since the Iran war began last month.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump voiced frustration over what he sees as limited British support for the US-Israel campaign against Iran. He dismissed the UK’ aircraft carriers as “toys” while downplaying the Nato ally’s military capabilities.
“The British said ‘we’ll send our aircraft carriers’ — which aren’t the best aircraft carriers, by the way. They are toys compared to what we have,” Trump said.
On March 21, Trump criticised Nato allies over their lack of support during the Iran war, calling the longtime US allies “cowards.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Without the US, Nato is a paper tiger!” He accused member nations of refusing to join what he described as a fight to stop a “nuclear-powered Iran,” adding that the conflict had been “militarily won” with minimal risk to them.
He also complained that Nato countries did not join the fight against Iran, yet complained about high oil prices. He specifically pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “a simple military manoeuvre” and “the single reason for the high oil prices,” and said allies were unwilling to help despite what he described as low risk.
The Strait of Hormuz has been shut for almost all countries after Iran decided to block the waterway for shipping. Nearly 20% of global oil and gas flows move through this route, making it critical for global energy security.
In fact, the US President on March 16 warned that members of the alliance could face a “very bad” future if they fail to support Washington’s efforts to reopen the strategic waterway.
In an interview with the British daily Financial Times, Trump urged allies, particularly European countries, to join what he described as a “team effort” to secure the key maritime chokepoint. “If there’s no response or if there’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of Nato,” he warned.
Trump’s repeated swipes at Nato are likely to put a huge question mark over the future of the multi-nation alliance, amid the evolving geopolitical landscape in Asia & Europe.
(With inputs from Reuters)
– Ends
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