By Sabiu Abdullahi
United States President Donald Trump has said his administration is weighing the option of withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) after the alliance declined to support the ongoing war against Iran.
In an interview with The Telegraph published on Wednesday, Trump criticised the military bloc and described it as a “paper tiger”.
“Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration. I was never swayed by NATO,” the president said when asked if he would reconsider US membership of the alliance after the conflict.
“I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”
Tensions have increased following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route controlled by Iran through which about 20 percent of global oil supply passes. The development has heightened concerns about energy security worldwide.
Trump has called on allied countries to deploy warships to reopen the strategic passage, although many have resisted the move.
He also directed criticism at European allies, including the United Kingdom, and took aim at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the country’s refusal to support the US position.
“You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work,” Trump said.
Trump has previously voiced dissatisfaction with NATO. In January, he stated that the United States had “never needed” its allies in the bloc and downplayed their contributions during the Afghanistan war that lasted two decades.
His latest remarks have attracted backlash from several European leaders, including Starmer, who have defended the alliance’s relevance and unity.
