Kellogg sharply criticized the Alliance's allies for their, in the general's opinion, ineffective response to the conflict with Iran. He called NATO countries “cowards” and suggested that the United States should rethink its approach to defense partnerships.
“Revisit our defense alliances, perhaps create a new one – with Japan and Australia, as well as some European countries that are ready to join the fight, such as a new, more active Germany or Poland. Even Ukraine, which has also proven to be a good ally,” Kellogg said.
He also drew attention to Art. 13 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows countries to leave the Alliance after one year's formal notice.
Context
US President Donald Trump, in an interview with The Telegraph published on April 1, criticized NATO for refusing to participate in the war against Iran. The head of the White House called the Alliance a “paper tiger.” According to the president, he is seriously considering the possibility of the United States leaving NATO.
In response, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that NATO remains the most effective defense bloc in history. Starmer stressed that “regardless of the pressure” on him and the leaders of other countries, he will put national interests first and will not allow Britain to participate in the war.
Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also responded to Trump's statement, noting that “there can be no NATO without the United States, but there can be no American power without NATO.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Alliance is not participating in the US-Israeli military operation in Iran, but supports strikes to reduce Iran's military capabilities. On March 22, he said that 22 countries are working on issues of assistance to the United States in ensuring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
