Trump to Meet NATO Secretary-General; Iran War Escalates US-NATO Tensions

Reuters reported that Donald Trump has in recent weeks threatened to withdraw from NATO and publicly criticized Washington's European allies, believing they have not sufficiently supported US and Israeli bombing campaigns against Iran. Trump announced yesterday that the offensive would be paused after a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

Trump had called on countries reliant on Persian Gulf oil to lift Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, two European diplomats stated that as long as the conflict continues, European countries are unlikely to participate in mine-clearing or other missions to restore freedom of navigation.

According to European officials, senior US officials have privately assured European governments that Washington remains committed to NATO. Nevertheless, the US-Iran conflict has deepened transatlantic anxieties over issues such as Ukraine, Greenland, and defense spending.

The aforementioned two diplomats indicated that Mark Rutte is likely to state during his meeting with Trump that restoring normal maritime trade is in their mutual interest after the war pushed up global energy prices. He is also expected to try to persuade Trump to avoid publicly criticizing NATO and to emphasize concrete actions by European countries to increase defense spending.

A NATO official mentioned that Rutte's trip will also seek to strengthen defense industry cooperation and discuss the two wars in Iran and Ukraine.

However, it remains unclear whether NATO will play an active role in the Middle East. According to one of the aforementioned diplomats, European leaders have not authorized Rutte to commit to participating in operations in the Strait of Hormuz during his talks with Trump.

Another senior European diplomat said: 'I expect him to continue discussions (with the US) on Ukraine and the issue of defense burden-sharing within NATO.' This person added that Rutte had stated that NATO members should 'step up efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz' after a ceasefire. (Translated by Hung Pei-ying) 1150408