US President Donald Trump voiced his "disappointment" with NATO allies during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on 24/6. Trump stated, "We are disappointed. The US completely defeated Iran in the first week, but it would have been good if they had offered to help", adding that Washington "did not need assistance with this".

Rutte defended NATO member nations, highlighting that about 4,000-5,000 US flights took off from European bases throughout the conflict. Following the meeting, the NATO chief told reporters that President Trump "fully maintains his commitment to the NATO alliance", affirming that the US "certainly" would defend Europe in case of an attack.

NATO Secretary General (left) and President Trump during a meeting at the White House on 24/6. *Photo: AP*

Trump's criticisms of NATO came just two weeks before leaders of the 32-member alliance were preparing for a summit in Ankara, Turkey on 7-8/7. President Trump did not consult NATO before the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on 28/2. Key European allies had also repeatedly expressed skepticism about the purpose of this conflict.

Beyond the Iran conflict, the US also has tensions with NATO allies, including the issue of Greenland, Denmark's autonomous territory that President Trump once threatened to annex before conceding in January. Washington has also stated that European NATO member nations must bear primary responsibility for conventional defense efforts.

The Pentagon announced a reduction in military assets deployed worldwide, many of which were previously for NATO operations. This move raised concerns that Europe could be vulnerable to threats, as allies still depend on the US for key weapons.

Thanh Tam (via AFP)