Trump Says "NATO Is Not on Our Side"... Europe Prepares Contingency Plans

Criticism Over Lack of Support for Iran War
"European NATO" Plans Taking Shape Without U.S.

Reuters Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again criticized NATO member states for not assisting in the Iran War, causing controversy by publicly stating that NATO is not on America’s side. With reports emerging that European NATO members are establishing contingency plans in preparation for a potential U.S. withdrawal, concerns are rising that the United States may leave NATO in the aftermath of the Iran War.

On the 16th (local time), President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, “NATO was not on our side, and it never will be.” He once again openly criticized NATO member states for not providing support regarding the Iran War and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, on the 12th, when announcing a maritime blockade on all Iranian ports, President Trump had publicly blamed NATO, saying, “We have spent trillions of dollars on NATO, but they have not been there for us,” and expressed, “I am very disappointed in NATO.” Within and outside the Trump Administration, concerns have been raised that, following the Iran War, President Trump could consider withdrawing from NATO or reducing the number of U.S. troops stationed in European member states.

It is reported that European countries are preparing contingency plans in anticipation of a possible U.S. withdrawal from NATO. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) quoted European NATO officials as saying, “Europe is preparing its own defensive measures in case President Trump decides to withdraw from NATO,” adding, “Through contingency plans often referred to as a ‘European NATO,’ they are specifically reviewing ways to secure not only conventional defense but also nuclear deterrence to replace the U.S. nuclear umbrella.”

The WSJ pointed out, “The number of key NATO command positions held by Europeans is steadily increasing, and the large-scale military exercises scheduled for the coming months will be led by European forces.” The report especially noted, “This trend is particularly prominent in Northern Europe, which borders Russia.”

James Foggo, a former U.S. Navy admiral who held senior positions in NATO, told the WSJ, “The Europeanization of NATO should have happened much sooner. European member states have many competent officers and leaders,” adding, “I believe they have the capabilities. They need to invest more quickly and further develop their capabilities.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.