Trump signals NATO spending cuts amid Iran dispute

US President Donald Trump has suggested Washington could reduce its financial commitment to NATO after several European allies declined to support US calls for naval involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking on Friday, March 27, Trump criticised the alliance’s response, framing the situation as a test of solidarity.

“I think a tremendous mistake was when NATO just wasn’t there,” Trump said.

The US president had urged allied nations to deploy warships to help reopen the critical maritime route, arguing that such a contribution would be limited in scope for countries that benefit from US security guarantees.

“It’s going to make a lot of money for the United States because we spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds of — 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?” Trump said.

He further questioned the basis of mutual defence commitments within the alliance.

“Why would we be there for them if they’re not there for us,” Trump said Friday.

By Tamilla Hasanova