US President Donald Trump has said his administration is considering withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, following disagreements over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to reports by CNN, the president made the remarks in an interview with The Telegraph, published on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
Mr Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger”, questioning its effectiveness and unity.
“Oh yes, I would say it’s beyond reconsideration,” he said when asked about the possibility of leaving the alliance. “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger.”
The comments come amid rising tensions linked to the conflict with Iran, particularly over control of the Strait of Hormuz — a key global shipping route through which around a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The waterway is now considered effectively closed due to the conflict, raising concerns about global energy supplies and trade.
Mr Trump said the United States had asked its allies to deploy naval forces to help reopen the route, but the request has not been widely supported.
He criticised several European countries, including the United Kingdom, and directed remarks at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over what he described as a lack of military capability and support.
“You don’t even have a navy,” he said.
This is not the first time the US president has publicly criticised NATO. In January, he said the United States had “never needed” the alliance and downplayed the role of partner countries in past military operations.
His comments have previously drawn criticism from European leaders, who have defended NATO’s role in collective security.
The situation remains under close watch, as allies assess the potential implications of the remarks for the future of the transatlantic alliance.
