US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington is “strongly considering” withdrawing from NATO, escalating tensions with allies over their refusal to back US military action against Iran. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Trump said leaving the alliance was now “beyond reconsideration”, describing NATO as a “paper tiger” and questioning its credibility at a time of heightened geopolitical strain.
Trump Threatens NATO Exit
In the interview, Trump sharpened his criticism of NATO, arguing that the alliance had failed to support Washington at a critical moment. “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Vladimir Putin knows that too,” he said.
He also took aim at European allies for refusing to commit troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of lacking resolve. Trump said such support “should be automatic”, drawing a parallel with Western backing for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
“We’ve been there automatically, including Ukraine. Ukraine wasn’t our problem,” he said, suggesting that US commitments to allies had not been reciprocated.
Starmer Rules Out UK War Role
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to distance Britain from any escalation, insisting the country would not be drawn into a wider conflict with Iran.
“We won’t,” Starmer said, acknowledging public concern that the UK could be pulled into the crisis. He emphasised that Britain’s focus in the Strait of Hormuz remains on safeguarding maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation, and protecting vital supply routes.
Addressing the economic fallout, Starmer outlined a five-point government plan to shield households from rising energy costs. Measures include cutting bills, extending fuel duty relief, boosting investment in clean energy, and pursuing diplomatic de-escalation in the Middle East.
“I’m not prepared to ask the British people, once again, to go through a crisis and then return to business as usual,” he said, warning that energy price volatility remains tied to geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Iran.
