U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is strongly considering withdrawing the United States from NATO, citing a lack of support from allies for U.S. military action against Iran.
In an interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph, Trump described the alliance as a “paper tiger” and said leaving the bloc was now “beyond reconsideration.” He also claimed he had long doubted NATO’s effectiveness and suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin shared that view.
Trump warned allies, including the United Kingdom, that they may need to defend themselves without U.S. support. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected pressure to join the Iran conflict. Speaking at a press conference, he said he would act in Britain’s national interest.
“There’s been pressure on me to change my position on the war, but I am not going to do that,” Starmer said. “Whatever the noise, I have to act in our national interests.”
He also confirmed that the UK will host a multinational meeting this week focused on security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Despite tensions with Washington, Starmer said the UK is not choosing between the United States and Europe.
“It is in our interest to have strong relationships with both,” he said, adding that deeper cooperation with Europe on defence, energy and the economy could also strengthen ties with the U.S.
Trump also indicated that U.S. military action in Iran could conclude within “two to three weeks.”
On the Iranian side, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is willing to end the conflict if its adversaries guarantee it will not resume.
“Iran has the necessary will to end the war,” he said.
Amid the ongoing conflict, civilians in Tehran continue to face hardship, including internet disruptions. One resident told the BBC he felt “exhausted” after weeks of war.
Oil prices have fallen below $100 per barrel following signals from both Washington and Tehran that tensions may ease. Industry groups say there is currently no major disruption to jet fuel supplies.
However, fighting between Israel and Iran continues, with reports of further strikes and damage in Lebanon.
