Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that NATO did not provide the support the United States needed during its conflict with Iran. “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again,” Trump remarked on his Truth Social platform.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump’s comments followed a private meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. In addition to discussing NATO’s role, Trump mentioned his previous interest in acquiring Greenland, referring to it as a “big, poorly run, piece of ice.”

Prior to the meeting, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters, expressing Trump’s view that NATO was “tested, and they failed” during the war with Iran. She remarked on the perceived lack of support from NATO, emphasizing the disappointment in the alliance’s response despite American financial contributions to NATO’s defense efforts.

After the meeting, NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart commented that Rutte and Trump had a “frank” discussion. Hart noted that they shared perspectives on various security issues, particularly in relation to Iran. She highlighted the Secretary General’s focus on encouraging Allies to contribute to a stronger, fairer Alliance.