The European Union said on Thursday that freedom of navigation must be ensured in the Strait of Hormuz with “no payment or toll whatsoever”. “International law provides for the freedom of navigation, which means... basically no payment or toll whatsoever,” European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni told a press conference in Brussels. Anouni said that the freedom of navigation is a “public good.”Iran has agreed to reopen the waterway during the two-week ceasefire with the US and Israel but has proposed the idea of a toll system, seemingly to fund its reconstruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that the US and Iran could run the toll system as a “joint venture” but the White House recently asked for the strait to be reopened without any such restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-vows-revenge-for-father-s-assassination-1775761848139">Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for father’s assassination, claims Iranian ‘victory’ in conflict</a><h2>‘Trump expecting concrete commitments for Hormuz’: Rutte tells Europe</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed European leaders that Trump is expecting concrete commitments for Hormuz.Trump has stepped up pressure on his European allies to commit military forces in the Strait of Hormuz, reported Reuters, citing two diplomats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rutte informed European leaders that Trump is expecting concrete commitments regarding the deployment of warships or other military capabilities from Europe in the Strait of Hormuz over the next few days.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that NATO would not “understand anything” without pressure upon them.“None of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them!!!” Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-will-hold-direct-talks-with-lebanon-for-disarming-hezbollah-improving-ties-1775756095084">Netanyahu says Israel will hold direct talks with Lebanon for disarming Hezbollah, improving ties</a>&nbsp;<h2>Trump may pull out US troops from NATO nations opposing war</h2>&nbsp;Trump is also considering pulling out US troops from NATO countries opposing the Iran war.&nbsp;The White House is considering the withdrawal of US troops out of North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries that were allegedly unhelpful during the Iran war. These troops would then be sent to countries who were more supporting as a form of punitive measure for some members of the alliance, said a Wall Street Journal report.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-pakistan-create-lebanon-confusion-in-ceasefire-deal-iran-speaker-cites-shehbaz-tweet-1775746861281">Did Pakistan create Lebanon confusion in ceasefire deal? Iran speaker cites Shehbaz tweet</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Trump had threatened to withdraw the US from the NATO alliance entirely.&nbsp;Trump slammed NATO over the past few weeks, saying he was “disappointed” in the alliance and threatened that he would “remember” which nations had refused help.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte informed European leaders that President Donald Trump is expecting concrete commitments regarding the deployment of warships or other military capabilities from Europe in the Strait of Hormuz over the next few days.

The European Union said on Thursday that freedom of navigation must be ensured in the Strait of Hormuz with “no payment or toll whatsoever”. “International law provides for the freedom of navigation, which means... basically no payment or toll whatsoever,” European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni told a press conference in Brussels. Anouni said that the freedom of navigation is a “public good.” Iran has agreed to reopen the waterway during the two-week ceasefire with the US and Israel but has proposed the idea of a toll system, seemingly to fund its reconstruction. President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that the US and Iran could run the toll system as a “joint venture” but the White House recently asked for the strait to be reopened without any such restrictions. Also Read: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for father’s assassination, claims Iranian ‘victory’ in conflict ‘Trump expecting concrete commitments for Hormuz’: Rutte tells Europe Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed European leaders that Trump is expecting concrete commitments for Hormuz. Trump has stepped up pressure on his European allies to commit military forces in the Strait of Hormuz, reported Reuters, citing two diplomats. Rutte informed European leaders that Trump is expecting concrete commitments regarding the deployment of warships or other military capabilities from Europe in the Strait of Hormuz over the next few days. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that NATO would not “understand anything” without pressure upon them. “None of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them!!!” Trump said. Also Read: Netanyahu says Israel will hold direct talks with Lebanon for disarming Hezbollah, improving ties Trump may pull out US troops from NATO nations opposing war Trump is also considering pulling out US troops from NATO countries opposing the Iran war. The White House is considering the withdrawal of US troops out of North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries that were allegedly unhelpful during the Iran war. These troops would then be sent to countries who were more supporting as a form of punitive measure for some members of the alliance, said a Wall Street Journal report. Also Read: Did Pakistan create Lebanon confusion in ceasefire deal? Iran speaker cites Shehbaz tweet Earlier, Trump had threatened to withdraw the US from the NATO alliance entirely. Trump slammed NATO over the past few weeks, saying he was “disappointed” in the alliance and threatened that he would “remember” which nations had refused help.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte informed European leaders that President Donald Trump is expecting concrete commitments regarding the deployment of warships or other military capabilities from Europe in the Strait of Hormuz over the next few days.

‘No payment whatsoever’: EU pans Hormuz toll idea; Trump gives Europe ultimatum over military pledges in strait

The NATO alliance is confronting what analysts describe as its most serious crisis since its establishment in 1949, driven primarily by US President Donald Trump’s anger over European refusal to support American and Israeli military operations related to the war in Iran. Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.<h2>Trump’s Threats and Statements</h2>In a series of escalating remarks this week, the President has declared that US membership in NATO is now "beyond reconsideration," calling the 77-year-old alliance a 'paper tiger'. He also voiced ‘disgust’ that allies like France, Spain, and Italy have not only refused to providing military support for Operation Epic Fury, labeling the conflict potentially illegal under international law. Trump specifically targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mocking the UK’s naval capabilities and stating, "You don't even have a navy... you're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work." These remarks have raised unprecedented concern that the US might not fulfil mutual defence commitments under NATO’s core Article 5.&nbsp;Europe’s response has been cautious. US officials have insisted that NATO “cannot be a one‑way street,” arguing that allies must do more to support collective security. The relationship between Trump and French President Macron collapsed into a "fierce feud" this week after the US President mocked Macron's marriage and mimic his accent, prompting the French leader to publicly dismiss the remarks as "neither elegant nor up to standard."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-massive-war-crime-what-do-iran-s-president-and-us-experts-say-about-trump-s-threat-to-strike-tehran-back-to-the-stone-ages-1775221431536">'Massive WAR CRIME’: What do Iran’s President &amp; US experts say about Trump’s threat to strike Tehran ‘back to the Stone Ages’?</a><h2>European Confidence Tested</h2>Analysts say that for many European governments, NATO’s post‑Cold War role as the linchpin of regional security is no longer taken for granted. Max Bergmann, former State Department official, told Reuters, the alliance was in “the worst place (NATO) has been since it was founded,” highlighting deep apprehension among diplomats and military officials.&nbsp;Some European military figures have begun contemplating defence structures that do not rely on the United States. General François Lecointre, France’s former armed forces chief, was quoted by reuters saying, “NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans."&nbsp;But combined with other barbs aimed at Europeans in recent weeks, Trump's comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the US will not come to help the European allies should they be attacked, whether or not Washington formally walks away.&nbsp;“NATO remains necessary, but Europe must be able to think about it without the United States,” a &nbsp;former French armed forces chief told Reuters.&nbsp;ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-hasn-t-even-started-trump-warns-iran-says-bridges-power-plants-next-what-do-the-geneva-conventions-say-1775223943481"> US hasn’t even started! Trump warns Iran says ‘bridges, power plants next’ — What do the Geneva Conventions say?</a>&nbsp;Legally, a US withdrawal from NATO would face hurdles. A 2023 US law requires a two‑thirds Senate vote to exit the alliance, making unilateral withdrawal difficult. Nevertheless, analysts note that as commander‑in‑chief, the President could choose not to commit US forces to defend allies, which could effectively weaken the alliance without a formal exit.<h2>Implications for Global Security</h2>NATO has faced strains before, including during Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021), when he considered withdrawing from the alliance. His recent remarks add to signs of renewed instability, alongside moves that have unsettled European allies, including threats in January to take control of Greenland and policies seen as accommodating towards Russia, which NATO identifies as its primary security threat.&nbsp;The tensions carry wider implications for global security, given NATO’s central role in deterring Russian aggression. European leaders stress the need to preserve unity, even as Trump’s rhetoric raises questions about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation.

Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.

The NATO alliance is confronting what analysts describe as its most serious crisis since its establishment in 1949, driven primarily by US President Donald Trump’s anger over European refusal to support American and Israeli military operations related to the war in Iran. Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance. Trump’s Threats and Statements In a series of escalating remarks this week, the President has declared that US membership in NATO is now "beyond reconsideration," calling the 77-year-old alliance a 'paper tiger'. He also voiced ‘disgust’ that allies like France, Spain, and Italy have not only refused to providing military support for Operation Epic Fury, labeling the conflict potentially illegal under international law. Trump specifically targeted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mocking the UK’s naval capabilities and stating, "You don't even have a navy... you're too old and had aircraft carriers that didn't work." These remarks have raised unprecedented concern that the US might not fulfil mutual defence commitments under NATO’s core Article 5. Europe’s response has been cautious. US officials have insisted that NATO “cannot be a one‑way street,” arguing that allies must do more to support collective security. The relationship between Trump and French President Macron collapsed into a "fierce feud" this week after the US President mocked Macron's marriage and mimic his accent, prompting the French leader to publicly dismiss the remarks as "neither elegant nor up to standard." ALSO READ: 'Massive WAR CRIME’: What do Iran’s President & US experts say about Trump’s threat to strike Tehran ‘back to the Stone Ages’? European Confidence Tested Analysts say that for many European governments, NATO’s post‑Cold War role as the linchpin of regional security is no longer taken for granted. Max Bergmann, former State Department official, told Reuters, the alliance was in “the worst place (NATO) has been since it was founded,” highlighting deep apprehension among diplomats and military officials. Some European military figures have begun contemplating defence structures that do not rely on the United States. General François Lecointre, France’s former armed forces chief, was quoted by reuters saying, “NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans." But combined with other barbs aimed at Europeans in recent weeks, Trump's comments have provoked unprecedented concern that the US will not come to help the European allies should they be attacked, whether or not Washington formally walks away. “NATO remains necessary, but Europe must be able to think about it without the United States,” a former French armed forces chief told Reuters. ALSO READ: US hasn’t even started! Trump warns Iran says ‘bridges, power plants next’ — What do the Geneva Conventions say? Legally, a US withdrawal from NATO would face hurdles. A 2023 US law requires a two‑thirds Senate vote to exit the alliance, making unilateral withdrawal difficult. Nevertheless, analysts note that as commander‑in‑chief, the President could choose not to commit US forces to defend allies, which could effectively weaken the alliance without a formal exit. Implications for Global Security NATO has faced strains before, including during Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021), when he considered withdrawing from the alliance. His recent remarks add to signs of renewed instability, alongside moves that have unsettled European allies, including threats in January to take control of Greenland and policies seen as accommodating towards Russia, which NATO identifies as its primary security threat. The tensions carry wider implications for global security, given NATO’s central role in deterring Russian aggression. European leaders stress the need to preserve unity, even as Trump’s rhetoric raises questions about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation.

Trump has expressed frustration that European navies will not help secure the Strait of Hormuz in response to the conflict, which has triggered sharp divisions within the transatlantic alliance.

'NATO could be at its weakest since birth': Can Trump deny aid to allies without actually exiting the alliance?

US President Donald Trump&#39;s defence secretary warned NATO allies on Wednesday that they must honour military spending pledges to ensure the United States does not &quot;moderate&quot; support for the alliance.

Jim Mattis, on his debut trip to Brussels as Pentagon chief, also accused some NATO members of ignoring threats, including from Russia. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;America cannot care more for your children&#39;s future security than you do,&quot; Mattis said in a closed-door session with NATO defence ministers, according to prepared remarks provided to reporters.

The comments represented some of the strongest criticism in memory of allies who have failed to reach defence spending goals.&nbsp;

Europe&#39;s low expenditure has long been a sore point for the United States, which puts up 70 percent of alliance funds. But Trump has made change a priority, saying allies have &quot;been very unfair to us&quot; for not spending more.

Trump was sharply critical of NATO during his election campaign, making European allies nervous by calling the alliance obsolete and praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

Since taking office on January 20, Trump has voiced strong support for NATO, comments echoed by Mattis at NATO&#39;s Brussels headquarters. Mattis called NATO &quot;the most successful and powerful military alliance in modern history&quot; and made a point of shaking hands with each of his European counterparts at the start of the meeting.&nbsp;

Mattis, however, suggested US support should not be seen as a given.

&quot;I owe it to you to give you clarity on the political reality in the United States, and to state the fair demand from my country&#39;s people in concrete terms,&quot; Mattis said.

&quot;America will meet its responsibilities, but if your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defence.&quot;

Mattis stopped short of issuing an explicit ultimatum or say how the United States might moderate its support. The United States for years has called for European allies to spend 2 percent of economic output on defence, he said.&nbsp;

But he added that NATO allies must show progress in 2017 and adopt a plan, with target dates, toward defence spending goals.&nbsp;

Italy and Spain, two of Europe&#39;s larger economies, spend barely 1 per cent a year on defence as they seek to curtail budget deficits following the 2008/2009 global financial crisis.&nbsp;

Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark, three other wealthy European nations that are among the smallest spenders on defence, still need to convince centre-left political parties that do not support higher defence spending, preferring to prioritise welfare and education.

But the Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania, who fear a repeat of Russia&#39;s 2014 annexation of Ukraine&#39;s Crimean peninsula, are on course to meet the 2 per cent goal, while Romania is also heading towards that level.

(Reuters)

The comments represented some of the strongest criticism in memory of allies who have failed to reach defence spending goals

US President Donald Trump's defence secretary warned NATO allies on Wednesday that they must honour military spending pledges to ensure the United States does not "moderate" support for the alliance. Jim Mattis, on his debut trip to Brussels as Pentagon chief, also accused some NATO members of ignoring threats, including from Russia. "America cannot care more for your children's future security than you do," Mattis said in a closed-door session with NATO defence ministers, according to prepared remarks provided to reporters. The comments represented some of the strongest criticism in memory of allies who have failed to reach defence spending goals. Europe's low expenditure has long been a sore point for the United States, which puts up 70 percent of alliance funds. But Trump has made change a priority, saying allies have "been very unfair to us" for not spending more. Trump was sharply critical of NATO during his election campaign, making European allies nervous by calling the alliance obsolete and praising Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since taking office on January 20, Trump has voiced strong support for NATO, comments echoed by Mattis at NATO's Brussels headquarters. Mattis called NATO "the most successful and powerful military alliance in modern history" and made a point of shaking hands with each of his European counterparts at the start of the meeting. Mattis, however, suggested US support should not be seen as a given. "I owe it to you to give you clarity on the political reality in the United States, and to state the fair demand from my country's people in concrete terms," Mattis said. "America will meet its responsibilities, but if your nations do not want to see America moderate its commitment to this alliance, each of your capitals needs to show support for our common defence." Mattis stopped short of issuing an explicit ultimatum or say how the United States might moderate its support. The United States for years has called for European allies to spend 2 percent of economic output on defence, he said. But he added that NATO allies must show progress in 2017 and adopt a plan, with target dates, toward defence spending goals. Italy and Spain, two of Europe's larger economies, spend barely 1 per cent a year on defence as they seek to curtail budget deficits following the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark, three other wealthy European nations that are among the smallest spenders on defence, still need to convince centre-left political parties that do not support higher defence spending, preferring to prioritise welfare and education. But the Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania, who fear a repeat of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, are on course to meet the 2 per cent goal, while Romania is also heading towards that level. (Reuters)

US defence secretary Mattis warns NATO allies to honour spending pledges

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‘No payment whatsoever’: EU pans Hormuz toll idea; Trump gives Europe ultimatum over military pledges in strait

'NATO could be at its weakest since birth': Can Trump deny aid to allies?

US defence secretary Mattis warns NATO allies to honour spending pledges