On 3/4, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, issued a joint statement. They asserted that any president contemplating a withdrawal from NATO would "damage America's national security interests" and benefit adversaries such as Russia and China.

The senators emphasized that Congress would not permit the US to withdraw from NATO. "Congress and the American people understand that we are stronger when we stand with our allies. That is a fundamental truth; ignoring it will only make us pay the price," the joint statement read.

As the conflict in Iran escalated, President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, pushing the alliance into its most fragile state to date.

However, legally, Trump cannot unilaterally withdraw Washington from the alliance. Such a decision requires support from 2/3 of senators in the Senate or the passage of legislation by both chambers of Congress. The senators believe both scenarios are highly improbable.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (left) and Senator Thom Tillis. *Photo: IFN*

Trump characterized European allies' support for the US and Israel's campaign against Iran as "half-hearted". He also repeatedly urged allies to assist in escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a route for 20% of the world's oil supply that Iran had nearly blockaded, but NATO has not yet agreed.

The US president later stated he was seriously considering withdrawing the US from NATO, referring to the alliance as a "paper tiger". In their joint statement, Shaheen and Tillis argued that this description was "inconsistent with NATO's actions following the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks".

Approximately 3,500 US and NATO allied soldiers died in the 20-year war against terrorism in Afghanistan that followed.

On 2/4, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, and Democratic Senator Chris Coons also highlighted NATO's importance to the US. "The only time NATO has engaged in combat was in response to an attack on the United States. Washington must not take this sacrifice lightly, nor the commitment of its allies that they are ready to sacrifice again," McConnell and Coons wrote.

On 3/4, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over the tensions between Trump and NATO, warning that the continuous statements from the US leader could "weaken the alliance at its roots".