US President Donald Trump, facing criticism over his war with Iran, has redirected much of his frustration toward the NATO alliance. Upset with European allies for refusing to support his actions, assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, or allow US aircraft access to their bases, Trump has adopted an increasingly harsh tone. He even dismissed NATO as weak and hinted at the possibility of the United States withdrawing from the alliance.

This latest tension marks another major challenge for NATO, which has faced repeated strains since Trump returned to power. Earlier, he unsettled the alliance by proposing to take control of Greenland from Denmark before reversing course. He has also caused concern by reducing support for Ukraine, pressuring allies to increase defense spending, and suggesting a reduction of US troops in Europe.

While NATO has endured past disagreements, many allies now worry that the current crisis could cause deeper, lasting damage. Diplomats say the situation is becoming more serious, especially as criticism of NATO is now coming not only from Trump but also from key figures in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently questioned the value of NATO after some European nations denied US military access to their bases.

Experts warn that this standoff could weaken the trust that holds the alliance together. However, some leaders remain confident that NATO will survive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed strong support for the alliance, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has worked to maintain good relations with Trump and insists the alliance is stronger than ever.

Despite efforts by European countries to meet US demands in the past, they are reluctant to support the Iran conflict, particularly since they were not consulted beforehand. While some fear a permanent divide, others believe NATO will overcome this challenge as it has before. A key moment will come at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, where leaders hope tensions may ease. Still, analysts expect ongoing instability as long as Trump remains in power, describing the alliance’s future as unpredictable. At the same time, European nations are increasingly recognizing the need to strengthen their own defense capabilities within NATO to ensure greater independence and trust.

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