President Donald Trump has renewed threats to pull the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over disagreements with European allies regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Trump's Demands and Criticism

Trump has expressed frustration that allied nations have not sent ships to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. The strait has been closed since the start of the Iran war on February 28th, contributing to soaring gas prices, averaging over $4 a gallon in the U.S. as of Wednesday.

He has repeatedly criticized NATO allies, calling them “cowards” as he seeks assistance with the consequences of a war in which they were not consulted. Trump, in comments to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper published Wednesday, stated he would go “beyond reconsideration” of U.S. membership after the war with Iran concludes.

Strait of Hormuz and Allied Response

On Truth Social, Trump demanded that countries “like the United Kingdom” either participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz or “just take it” themselves, suggesting they purchase U.S. oil as an alternative. He also insisted allies contribute to repairing damage caused by the war, despite not being involved in its initiation.

European Concerns and Reactions

European leaders have voiced concerns over being excluded from pre-war discussions, viewing it as a departure from established diplomatic practices. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated in mid-March, “This is not Europe’s war. We didn’t start the war. We were not consulted.”

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier last week described the aggression against Iran as a “dangerous mistake” and a violation of international law. Spain went further, closing its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war on Monday.

NATO's History and Structure

Founded in 1949 following World War II, NATO is a collective defense alliance of democratic nations in Europe and North America. It initially comprised 12 countries seeking security against Soviet influence, prompting the creation of the Warsaw Pact by the Soviet Union in 1955.

Today, NATO has expanded to 32 member states, including many former Warsaw Pact countries. The alliance’s core principle is Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

Legal Constraints on Withdrawal

Despite Trump’s repeated threats, a U.S. withdrawal from NATO is not within the president’s sole authority. A 2023 law, signed by former President Joe Biden, requires a two-thirds Senate vote or an act of Congress to authorize such a move.