Disagreements between Trump and NATO over Iran are intensifying. What the media is writing

Disagreements are intensifying between US President Donald Trump and NATO over the armed conflict with Iran. The head of the White House threatened to withdraw from the alliance if he did not receive help. Such an intention could plunge NATO into the most serious crisis in history. Meanwhile, the US allies are looking for an opportunity to independently open the Strait of Hormuz without Washington's participation. What the world's media write about the split is in the Izvestia digest.

Reuters: Trump's anger over Iran plunges NATO into a new crisis

In recent years, NATO has experienced many existential challenges, including numerous cases of pressure and insults from US President Donald Trump, who questioned its core mission and threatened to seize Greenland. However, it was the US-Israeli war with Iran, which broke out thousands of kilometers from Europe, that almost split the 76-year-old bloc and threatens to leave it in its weakest state since its creation.

However, combined with other barbs against the Europeans, Trump's comments have raised unprecedented concerns that the United States will not come to the aid of European allies in the event of an attack on them, regardless of whether Washington officially withdraws from the conflict or not. According to analysts and diplomats, as a result, the alliance is disintegrating, and the underlying mutual defense agreement is no longer taken for granted.

The Guardian: Macron criticizes Trump's contradictory statements about NATO and Iran

French President Emmanuel Macron sharply criticized Trump's inconsistent and often contradictory statements about NATO and the war with Iran, saying that if "you want to talk seriously," it's better not to publish something new every day. He defended the organization, accusing Trump of undermining the transatlantic defense alliance through repeated statements questioning the U.S. commitment to its continued membership.

Trump has made various assumptions: that the war with Iran has been practically won and the United States does not need the support of its allies; that it expects its allies to join the American military operation; and that they should act on their own and "take their oil" in the Strait of Hormuz. At a private dinner at the White House this week, he also said that NATO had "treated us very badly" and "would treat us badly again if we ever needed their help." In other comments, he said he was "absolutely without a doubt" considering withdrawing from NATO.

Politico: There are no signs that Trump wants to leave NATO

The Iranian war threatens to split the NATO alliance again. However, despite all of Trump's threats and anger over the refusal of allies to assist in the US military campaign, his rhetoric has not yet been backed up by any concrete actions. NATO diplomats, congressional aides, and defense officials say the administration has not held the necessary discussions to withdraw from the alliance.

Trump can always suddenly announce a review of Washington's role in the alliance. Even so, the path to leaving NATO will be littered with legal obstacles and is likely to face protests from hardliners in the defense sector in Congress, who argue that the president must comply with the 2023 law requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate before the United States withdraws from NATO. Trump's threat looked like "another bluff," one official said, and was consistent with a trend of increasing U.S. pressure on Europe during crises.

Bloomberg: US allies are developing a plan "B" for the Strait of Hormuz

More than 40 U.S. allies met on April 2 to discuss plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signaling to Trump the deep concern of the international community over the crisis in the waterway. The UK has convened representatives from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as Australia and Canada, to discuss diplomatic steps towards Tehran and possible sanctions if it does not agree to unblock a crucial sea route for global energy supplies.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the international community has made it clear that the United States needs to include a solution to the Strait of Hormuz in cease-fire negotiations with Iran. Nevertheless, the meeting showed that the coalition of countries considers it necessary to begin preparations for reopening the strait without the participation of the United States.

NATO is not sad: The United States has become disillusioned with its allies in the bloc

The end of the war in Iran may be Washington's first step towards withdrawing from the North Atlantic Alliance.

NBC News: NATO Secretary General heads to Washington

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will travel to the White House next week amid Trump's criticism of European allies for refusing to join the United States in the war with Iran. Both NATO and the White House have said that the trip was planned long before the disagreements arose.

Trump's main problem now is the refusal of NATO members to show "courage" and lead the fight to clear the Strait of Hormuz so that oil—producing vessels can safely pass through again. He also expressed indignation at the fact that Britain, Spain and France refused to allow the United States to freely use their airspace and military bases to attack Iran. Although Trump cannot unilaterally withdraw the United States from NATO, he can take steps to weaken the alliance and its role as a deterrent.