Trump ‘strongly considering’ pulling US out of NATO, warns alliance is a ‘paper tiger’ amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump has said he is “strongly considering” withdrawing the US from NATO, in his most forceful criticism yet of the transatlantic alliance amid tensions over the war with Iran. In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump said the alliance had failed to support Washington’s efforts in the conflict, describing it as a “paper tiger” and suggesting that US membership was now “beyond reconsideration”.

The remarks signal a deepening rift between Washington and its European allies after Nato members declined to join US calls to deploy naval forces to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed by Tehran for weeks.

Asked whether he would reconsider America’s role in the alliance, the American president said: “Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too.” Roughly 1/5th of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, and its closure has driven sharp increases in global energy prices, fuelling fears of a wider economic downturn.

Trump also accused allies of failing to support the US despite longstanding American commitments. “We’ve been there automatically, including Ukraine,” he said, adding: “They weren’t there for us.” The US president singled out Britain, criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to join the American-Israeli military campaign against Iran. He also aimed at the state of the Royal Navy, suggesting it lacked operational readiness.

“You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work,” Trump said. In response, UK PM Keir reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to NATO, calling it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen”. He also stressed that the UK would not be drawn into the conflict, saying: “This is not our war, and we’re not going to get dragged into it.”

The British PM indicated that London would seek closer ties with European partners as relations with Washington deteriorate, adding that he would act “in the British interest, whatever the noise”. Concerns over Britain’s military readiness have also been highlighted domestically, after the First Sea Lord warned this week that the Royal Navy is not fully prepared for war. Reports indicate that several of the UK’s destroyers are currently out of service, with Britain relying on allied support to meet some of its NATO commitments.

The growing frustration

Frustration within the US administration has been mounting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier criticised NATO as a “one-way street”, accusing allies of denying Washington access to key military bases during the conflict.

Speaking to Fox News, Rubio said the US would have to “re-examine” its relationship with NATO after the war. “If NATO is just about us defending Europe if they’re attacked, but them denying us basing rights when we need them, that’s not a very good arrangement,” he said.

Trump is expected to deliver a national address later on Wednesday (March 1), outlining the next phase of the conflict. He indicated that the war could conclude within “two weeks, maybe three”, adding that its primary objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.