Monday, 17 August 2026
Iran - US & Israel War

Trump Signals possible NATO Exit amid Iran war Tensions; UK stands Firm

BT International Desk
Disclosure : 01 Apr 2026, 04:14 PM
Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted insults at Keir Starmer since the war began
Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted insults at Keir Starmer since the war began: Photo collected

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.

  • Latest

  • Popular

Singer Anupam Roy Becomes a Father to a Baby Boy

1

277 Government Officials Promoted to Deputy Secretary

2

'If We Can Escape the System of Plunder, the Country Will Change': Climate Change Trust MD Kazi Raonakul Islam Tipu

3

Neglect Leaves Tangail’s Historic Bhasani Hall in Ruins

4

Measles Symptoms Claim 7 More Lives in Bangladesh

5

Top Terror Suspect David Emon Remanded for Five Days in Arms Case

6

Supreme Court Order Ends Long-Running Dispute Over Headteacher Post in Paikgachha

7

World Liberty's WorldClaw Offers Chinese AI Models Amid US Concerns

8

1,802 Cartons of Foreign Cigarettes and 13 iPhones Seized from Dubai Returnees in Chattogram

9

Laxmipur Municipality Launches 200-Dustbin Cleanliness Drive

10

Madhukhali Press Club Holds Memorial Meeting and Prayer Gathering

11

Saudi Crown Prince Invites PM Tarique Rahman to Visit Riyadh

12

New Pay Scale for Govt Employees to Come This Year: Finance Minister

13

Drugs and Cosmetics Awareness Meeting Held on Drug Law in Kurigram's Nageshwari

14

Consumer Rights Department Fines 3 Shops Over Food Safety in Tangail

15

National University Launches Career Centers to Boost Student Employability

16

MetLife Bangladesh continues partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim for a fourth term as Brand Ambassador

17

LPG Cylinders Used as Risky Fuel in Mohanganj CNG-Powered Autorickshaws

18

Rally in Laxmipur Marks Launch of National Boat Census 2026

19

Sewing Machines Distributed to Underprivileged Women in Lalmonirhat's Kaliganj

20