Donald Trump has again attacked NATO for not supporting the US in the Iran war, following a private meeting with its Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.
In a post shared to Truth Social after the meeting, the US President stated: NATO WASN'T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON'T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN.
Rutte described his meeting with Trump to CNN as very frank and very open, even amidst clear disagreements.
Ahead of the talks, Trump had considered quitting the transatlantic military alliance after several NATO countries resisted his calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease rising global oil prices.
The White House did not provide details on the discussion; however, Rutte was at the White House for over two hours, although the length of the meeting with Trump remains unknown.
Trump continues to express significant doubts about NATO, suggesting that the alliance has not adequately supported the US during Operation Epic Fury.
In recent weeks, Trump threatened to withdraw from the 32-member transatlantic alliance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's frustrations by stating that NATO was tested and they failed regarding its commitment to supporting the US during the Iran conflict.
Despite Trump's concerns, Rutte noted that the majority of European nations had provided assistance in various capacities during the conflict.
This ongoing tension comes at a time when NATO faces its most significant challenges, magnified by Trump's grievances and the current geopolitical climate.
