Trump demands NATO member states to make commitments on securing the Strait of Hormuz and implement them within days.

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On April 9 local time, CCTV reporters learned that U.S. President Trump, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, demanded that NATO member states make specific commitments as soon as possible to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Two European diplomats stated that Trump hoped the relevant commitments could be implemented within a few days and emphasized that the issue is urgent for both the United States and Europe. Diplomats said Rutte explained to Trump that U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran took NATO allies "by surprise," with some countries even needing to urgently evacuate their citizens, while also emphasizing that countries are working together as an alliance to reopen the strait.

Rutte stated in Washington that under the leadership of British Prime Minister Starmer and others, several countries have reached a consensus with the United States that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened and remain unimpeded after being reopened.

However, after the meeting, Trump still expressed dissatisfaction with NATO, saying "NATO did not show up when we needed them."

Source: CCTV News

According to the Wall Street Journal on the 8th, U.S. government officials revealed that due to "lack of assistance" from some NATO member states in the U.S. military action against Iran, the Trump administration is considering withdrawing U.S. troops from those countries and deploying them to nations that have shown more support during this military operation. Countries named as "lacking assistance" include Germany, France, Spain, Italy, etc. The report stated that compared to Trump's recent threat to withdraw the U.S. completely from NATO, this latest punitive plan is "milder." NATO Secretary General Rutte arrived in Washington on the 8th for talks with Trump. After the meeting, Trump again expressed his dissatisfaction with NATO, while Rutte, in an interview with CNN, said that some NATO countries did fail the test from the United States and that "Trump is obviously disappointed by many NATO allies, and I understand his thinking."

"Trump’s Whisperer" Arrives

AFP reported that Rutte has been called "Trump’s whisperer" for his skill at flattering Trump. On the 8th, he entered the West Wing of the White House through a side door, and his talks with Trump were held behind closed doors. It is reported that Rutte stayed at the White House for two hours that day, and there was no usual press conference or photo opportunity on departure.

After the meeting, Rutte told CNN that Trump was "obviously disappointed with many NATO allies," "but at the same time I pointed out that the vast majority of European countries have provided help in base construction, logistical support, flight overflight permits, and ensuring the fulfillment of commitments." When asked whether Trump had threatened to withdraw from NATO during the talk, Rutte refused to answer directly and only said, "It was a very candid discussion, and also a discussion between two good friends." When asked whether the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran had made the world safer, Rutte said: "Absolutely."

Rutte’s visit to the U.S. was called a "soothing trip." Recently, Trump has repeatedly complained that European NATO members do not support the U.S. military action against Iran, calling NATO a "paper tiger" and saying he is considering quitting NATO. The Guardian summarized that European NATO members ignored Trump’s call to use military action to open the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump called European allies "cowards." What made Trump particularly dissatisfied was British Prime Minister Starmer, who will go to the Gulf region to support a ceasefire.

The Washington Post reported that Rutte has always shown deference to Trump and expressed support for the U.S. war against Iran. After the talks, Trump posted on social media, making no mention of leaving NATO but reiterating his many complaints about NATO: “NATO was not there when we needed them, and if we need them again, they still will not be there. Remember Greenland? That large, poorly managed ice sheet!”

The “Europe Dynamics” website stated that Brussels hopes Rutte’s humility can ease transatlantic tensions. A European diplomat stated that Rutte’s main advantage is "a very limited self-awareness," "He can say things that others would find awkward or too much, but few European leaders criticize him."

"Like Punishing a Displeasing Corner Nightclub"

According to the Wall Street Journal, the "mild NATO punishment" plan has been circulating among senior U.S. officials in recent weeks and has gained support. The plan is still in its early conceptual stage and is only one of many schemes being considered inside the White House to pressure NATO. Although Trump has repeatedly threatened to leave NATO, according to regulations, the U.S. would officially require two-thirds support of the Senate or an act of Congress to withdraw—a legislative proposal introduced by then-Senator Rubio (now Secretary of State) and others in 2023. The Washington Post stated that aside from procedure and legislation, Trump has the authority to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe or military assets, or stop sending U.S. weapons paid for by Europeans to Ukraine.

Former French Army Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume Ancel said on BMFTV on the 9th that when Trump talks about NATO, it seems as if the United States is not a member, and it is more like he is punishing a "corner nightclub" he is dissatisfied with. He argued that Trump’s attempt to undermine NATO may have one result: Europeans will gradually realize they must rely on themselves. At the same time, Trump will also recognize a reality, namely that NATO actually constitutes the most important market for the U.S. military-industrial complex. Therefore, although he can pressure or even punish some countries, under the constraints of real interests, such actions are likely to be quickly reversed or adjusted.

French Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mandon stated at a National Assembly hearing on the 9th: "It has become difficult for us to maintain the same level of trust as before in security commitments provided by the United States."

Leaders of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Left Party recently called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany and the closure of the U.S. Ramstein base in Germany, but this was rejected by the federal government. According to Germany’s national radio on the 9th, German security expert Nihus has called for Europe to be more independent and quickly develop all the military capabilities the U.S. currently provides under NATO. According to Germany's Handelsblatt, NATO is currently discussing initiating a Hormuz Strait security mission in the form of a "voluntary coalition" to show the U.S. that NATO still has meaning, as a "tribute" to appease Trump.

"Europe Needs a NATO Plan B"

"Europe Needs a NATO Plan B," the European Policy Center website published on the 9th, noting that Europe has experienced two major security shocks in quick succession. First was the Greenland incident, where the U.S., as Europe's protectorate, threatened to seize the ally's territory. Following that, Trump requested allies to join him in launching a war against Iran and insulted them when they responded with restraint. The article argues that although Europeans are reluctant to admit it, the Europeanization of NATO is already a foregone conclusion. From 2027, the United States will provide only 50% of NATO's military operational capabilities—far lower than current levels.

The Washington Post believes that, from the perspective of European officials, Trump’s repeated questioning of NATO's core collective defense commitment and threats to seize Denmark’s territory of Greenland have caused widespread doubts about the U.S. The U.S. attack on Iran did not involve NATO, nor were NATO allies consulted, and NATO played no role. "This war was launched by NATO member the United States, not against a NATO member country."

Source: Global Times

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