During talks at the White House attended by President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, The United States has clearly expressed its expectations towards European partners. Additional consultations took place at the Pentagon and the Department of State.
The Bloomberg agency notes that neither the White House nor other key American institutions they did not comment on this matter.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a 14-day ceasefire between the US, Iran and Israel as a condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, according to reports, fighting between the sides continues, and Tehran has accused Israel of violating the agreement by attacking the Lebanese Hezbollah militia linked to Iran.
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As a result, the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil and gas exports, still remains closed.
Tensions between Washington and NATO
The conflict with Iran has highlighted tensions between the Trump administration and NATO allies. In recent weeks, some member states have refused to provide military bases for US operations in the region, as well as support in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
After meeting with Mark Rutte, Trump published an entry on the Truth Social social media platform in which he wrote that “NATO was not with us when we needed it and will not be there when we need it again.”
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As a result, as Bloomberg reminds, Rutte once again found himself in the role of a mediator between Washington and NATO. He has helped ease tensions in the past, including: regarding increased defense spending by member states or the dispute over Greenland. But the current Iran crisis may be the biggest challenge of his diplomatic career.
