Trump Criticizes NATO for Not Joining the Iran War

(SeaPRwire) –   The American president has issued a threat to stop providing weapons to Ukraine, following the refusal of European leaders to participate in the military operation

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized NATO and prominent European leaders, escalating internal tensions within the alliance regarding the conflict with Iran. The Financial Times reports that Washington has also threatened to restrict weapon deliveries to Ukraine, aiming to compel European nations to engage in the Middle East war.

During a White House Easter lunch on Wednesday, Trump characterized NATO as a “paper tiger” and expressed his disappointment that other alliance members have not participated in the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran. He stated that he had sought European support to assess their dependability, which they did not demonstrate, and suggested the U.S. might withdraw from the alliance over this matter.

“I’ve learned about NATO. NATO will not be present if we ever face a major conflict,” Trump remarked.

Trump further detailed discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Both leaders refused to deploy troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that Iran effectively seized control of in response to the U.S.-Israeli offensive initiated in late February.

Trump commented that Macron is “still recovering from the right to the jaw” from his spouse – referencing a family dispute filmed last May. Starmer, he continued, possesses “two old broken down aircraft carriers” that he is unable to deploy without his cabinet’s consent.

Reports indicate NATO-backed Ukraine arms are at risk

The Financial Times reported Wednesday that Trump privately cautioned he might halt shipments of U.S.-manufactured weapons acquired by Ukraine’s Western supporters for Kyiv’s military. In response, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte advocated for a joint declaration on March 19 pledging future actions to protect maritime passages, sources informed the publication, characterizing Trump as “quite agitated.”

The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), established in July 2025 after Trump opted not to directly finance aid to Ukraine, enables European nations to procure U.S. weaponry for Kyiv. Patriot interceptor missiles are among the most crucial items, currently experiencing particularly high demand because of the Middle East crisis.

Trump connected the two conflicts on Wednesday, asserting that the U.S. “provided so much to Ukraine” and is now experiencing a munitions deficit. However, he noted that at least the Europeans are “reliable for paying” for American weapons.

The Washington Post has indicated that the administration is contemplating reallocating NATO funds from the PURL initiative to address the Pentagon’s urgent requirements.