US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-missiles-hit-prince-sultan-air-base-in-saudi-arabia-10-american-troops-wounded-1774651260852">Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded</a><h2>'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies</h2>"They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks.Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices.Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’</h2>Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week. Also read | Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded 'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies "They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?" Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks. Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices. Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’ Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reiterated the alliance’s firm stance that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, warning that Tehran’s military capabilities are becoming “increasingly dangerous.” Speaking during a briefing on Thursday (March 26), Rutte said NATO has long been clear on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “Allies have agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon,” he stressed, highlighting fears that such a capability would pose a serious threat not just to the Middle East but to global security.&nbsp;Rutte pointed to recent developments, including attempted strikes and expanding missile reach, as evidence that Iran’s capabilities are evolving rapidly. He described these as a “relevant development,” signalling that NATO is closely monitoring Tehran’s military advances. The NATO chief warned that Iran’s expanding arsenal and regional actions are raising alarm across the alliance, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.<h2>NATO remains prepared</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-alireza-tangsiri-israel-claims-to-have-killed-irgc-navy-chief-a-key-player-in-ongoing-war-1774530708165">Who is Alireza Tangsiri? Israel claims to have killed IRGC Navy Chief</a>&nbsp;Despite the growing threat, Rutte said NATO is ready to defend its members. He highlighted recent interceptions of missiles aimed toward Turkey as proof of the alliance’s defensive preparedness. He added that NATO continues to assess risks posed by Iran’s actions, particularly in key strategic areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have been rising.&nbsp;&nbsp;While focusing on Iran, Rutte maintained that Russia remains NATO’s primary security concern. He cited cyberattacks, airspace violations, and sabotage operations as examples of Moscow’s continued aggression. Rutte also noted increasing cooperation between Iran and countries such as China and North Korea, suggesting a broader alignment that NATO is watching closely. He concluded by emphasising the need for higher defence spending and stronger coordination among allies to tackle both immediate and emerging threats.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-approval-slides-to-41-as-disapproval-reaches-record-high-fox-news-poll-1774527428192">Trump’s approval slides to 41% as disapproval reaches record high: Fox News poll</a>

NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, calling its capabilities increasingly dangerous, while stressing alliance readiness and reiterating that Russia remains the biggest overall security threat.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reiterated the alliance’s firm stance that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, warning that Tehran’s military capabilities are becoming “increasingly dangerous.” Speaking during a briefing on Thursday (March 26), Rutte said NATO has long been clear on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “Allies have agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon,” he stressed, highlighting fears that such a capability would pose a serious threat not just to the Middle East but to global security. Rutte pointed to recent developments, including attempted strikes and expanding missile reach, as evidence that Iran’s capabilities are evolving rapidly. He described these as a “relevant development,” signalling that NATO is closely monitoring Tehran’s military advances. The NATO chief warned that Iran’s expanding arsenal and regional actions are raising alarm across the alliance, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. NATO remains prepared Also read: Who is Alireza Tangsiri? Israel claims to have killed IRGC Navy Chief Despite the growing threat, Rutte said NATO is ready to defend its members. He highlighted recent interceptions of missiles aimed toward Turkey as proof of the alliance’s defensive preparedness. He added that NATO continues to assess risks posed by Iran’s actions, particularly in key strategic areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have been rising. While focusing on Iran, Rutte maintained that Russia remains NATO’s primary security concern. He cited cyberattacks, airspace violations, and sabotage operations as examples of Moscow’s continued aggression. Rutte also noted increasing cooperation between Iran and countries such as China and North Korea, suggesting a broader alignment that NATO is watching closely. He concluded by emphasising the need for higher defence spending and stronger coordination among allies to tackle both immediate and emerging threats. Also read: Trump’s approval slides to 41% as disapproval reaches record high: Fox News poll

NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, calling its capabilities increasingly dangerous, while stressing alliance readiness and reiterating that Russia remains the biggest overall security threat.

NATO warns Iran ‘cannot have nuclear weapons’ as Rutte flags ‘increasingly dangerous’ capabilities

Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, and NATO troop withdrawals: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he was “absolutely convinced” that an international effort would soon secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US-Israel war. He expressed the need to protect global trade and freedom of navigation in the strait, through which 20 per cent of global oil trade flows. Just a couple of days before his interviews with US broadcasters, a quieter development unfolded: NATO troops were filmed leaving positions in Iraq, reportedly for “safer locations”.<h2>NATO completes relocation of personnel from Iraq</h2>The troops of the alliance, of which the US is a key member, moved to safer positions in Europe, including Joint Force Command Naples. It was described as a temporary “posture adjustment” in response to escalating regional threats linked to Iran. This is essentially due to the growing risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on Western facilities in the region.<h2>NATO’s dual narrative: Talking about strength but acting with caution</h2>Rutte spoke about a newly formed 22-country coalition, comprising several NATO members alongside Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf states such as UAE and Bahrain. Their objective was to coordinate naval escorts, patrols, and minesweeping operations to stabilise shipping lanes in the Hormuz corridor. At the time of writing, however, not a single military deployment has taken place from this coalition to secure the strait.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-urges-political-diplomatic-solution-as-trump-s-48-hour-hormuz-deadline-nears-1774263280134">Russia urges political, diplomatic solution as Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz deadline nears</a><h2>Despite Trump’s initial appeal, NATO has not acted on Article 5</h2>In his remarks, Rutte was accommodative of US President Donald Trump’s appeal to nations to help secure the strait. However, in reality, there has been no invocation of Article 5, the so-called “one for all, all for one” clause of NATO. There is no unified alliance deployment in the region either.Against this backdrop, NATO’s withdrawal from Iraq reflects a different reality. The alliance is sensitive to direct risk exposure of its troops in volatile theatres. NATO’s physical footprint has been reduced in the region, and the advisory and training mission continues remotely.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed</a><h2>Risk management is central to NATO approach</h2>The dual approach is partly because Iraq presented an immediate and direct threat environment for stationed NATO personnel. Their relocation reduces vulnerability. The public signalling from Rutte on securing Hormuz is more of a reassurance to global markets and key allies that energy supply chains remain a priority.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-guides-india-flagged-vessels-through-strait-of-hormuz-1774256529979">Indian Navy guides India-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Securing Strait of Hormuz: Who is actually committing forces?</h2>Among NATO members, the UK has taken a leading role in planning and logistical support, but even London has been explicit that this is not a NATO warfighting mission. Other top NATO members France, Germany, and Italy have also shown caution, stressing diplomacy, post-conflict stabilisation, and limited engagement rather than direct naval deployment in the region. The G7, which includes key NATO members, has issued statements supporting the protection of global energy supplies, but without necessarily committing military assets.<h2>NATO is slow-pedalling the Iran situation&nbsp;</h2>The challenge for NATO is balancing competing priorities: maintaining global economic stability, avoiding deep military entanglement, and preserving alliance cohesion amid differing national interests. This is the main reason for what appears to be doublespeak. It is, at best, calibrated communication while maintaining strategic ambiguity.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-completely-close-the-strait-of-hormuz-iran-responds-to-trump-s-48-hour-ultimatum-1774196432013">‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum</a><h2>Perspective: NATO story is about politics, not just words</h2>For observers, this is typical alliance behaviour, as alliances speak with one voice but act with many. Public assurances often coexist with private caution, as is evident in the NATO approach in the current Iran war context. In essence, NATO is not working as a unified bloc to reopen the strait. It is attempting a carefully assembled coalition, navigating geopolitical risk and political reality, one decision at a time.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Iran war: NATO talked about securing the Strait of Hormuz with a coalition of nations, while quietly withdrawing its troops from Iraq. A calculated strategy of risk management? NATO's differing signalling is part of  coalition diplomacy and strategic ambiguity amid an ever-changing war

Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, and NATO troop withdrawals: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he was “absolutely convinced” that an international effort would soon secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US-Israel war. He expressed the need to protect global trade and freedom of navigation in the strait, through which 20 per cent of global oil trade flows. Just a couple of days before his interviews with US broadcasters, a quieter development unfolded: NATO troops were filmed leaving positions in Iraq, reportedly for “safer locations”. NATO completes relocation of personnel from Iraq The troops of the alliance, of which the US is a key member, moved to safer positions in Europe, including Joint Force Command Naples. It was described as a temporary “posture adjustment” in response to escalating regional threats linked to Iran. This is essentially due to the growing risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on Western facilities in the region. NATO’s dual narrative: Talking about strength but acting with caution Rutte spoke about a newly formed 22-country coalition, comprising several NATO members alongside Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf states such as UAE and Bahrain. Their objective was to coordinate naval escorts, patrols, and minesweeping operations to stabilise shipping lanes in the Hormuz corridor. At the time of writing, however, not a single military deployment has taken place from this coalition to secure the strait. Also read: Russia urges political, diplomatic solution as Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz deadline nears Despite Trump’s initial appeal, NATO has not acted on Article 5 In his remarks, Rutte was accommodative of US President Donald Trump’s appeal to nations to help secure the strait. However, in reality, there has been no invocation of Article 5, the so-called “one for all, all for one” clause of NATO. There is no unified alliance deployment in the region either. Against this backdrop, NATO’s withdrawal from Iraq reflects a different reality. The alliance is sensitive to direct risk exposure of its troops in volatile theatres. NATO’s physical footprint has been reduced in the region, and the advisory and training mission continues remotely. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed Risk management is central to NATO approach The dual approach is partly because Iraq presented an immediate and direct threat environment for stationed NATO personnel. Their relocation reduces vulnerability. The public signalling from Rutte on securing Hormuz is more of a reassurance to global markets and key allies that energy supply chains remain a priority. Also read: Indian Navy guides India-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz Securing Strait of Hormuz: Who is actually committing forces? Among NATO members, the UK has taken a leading role in planning and logistical support, but even London has been explicit that this is not a NATO warfighting mission. Other top NATO members France, Germany, and Italy have also shown caution, stressing diplomacy, post-conflict stabilisation, and limited engagement rather than direct naval deployment in the region. The G7, which includes key NATO members, has issued statements supporting the protection of global energy supplies, but without necessarily committing military assets. NATO is slow-pedalling the Iran situation The challenge for NATO is balancing competing priorities: maintaining global economic stability, avoiding deep military entanglement, and preserving alliance cohesion amid differing national interests. This is the main reason for what appears to be doublespeak. It is, at best, calibrated communication while maintaining strategic ambiguity. Also read: ‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum Perspective: NATO story is about politics, not just words For observers, this is typical alliance behaviour, as alliances speak with one voice but act with many. Public assurances often coexist with private caution, as is evident in the NATO approach in the current Iran war context. In essence, NATO is not working as a unified bloc to reopen the strait. It is attempting a carefully assembled coalition, navigating geopolitical risk and political reality, one decision at a time. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran war: NATO talked about securing the Strait of Hormuz with a coalition of nations, while quietly withdrawing its troops from Iraq. A calculated strategy of risk management? NATO's differing signalling is part of &nbsp;coalition diplomacy and strategic ambiguity amid an ever-changing war

Iran war and NATO doublespeak: Chief Rutte says ‘will secure Hormuz Strait’ as alliance troops quietly exit Iraq to 'secure locations’

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'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

NATO warns Iran ‘cannot have nuclear weapons’

Iran and NATO: Alliance wants to secure Hormuz as troops move to 'secure areas'