NATO Chief Responds to US Threat to "Exit" NATO
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has reportedly conveyed a message to the governments of European countries that US President Donald Trump is demanding tangible commitments from the defence pact’s members. Within days, they are asked to take a stance on whether they will help the US secure the Strait of Hormuz, currently controlled by Iran.
This comes amid threats that the alliance could face a unilateral US withdrawal, according to a Reuters report on Thursday. Rutte, known in Europe as a figure capable of lobbying Trump, is working to defuse the crisis after Trump stated he is “considering withdrawing” from the transatlantic alliance comprising 32 countries.
Trump argues that European allies have long relied on US security guarantees. However, they have provided inadequate support for the US-Israel bombing campaign in Iran.
Three diplomats said that Rutte, who met with the US President at the White House on Wednesday US time, has relayed Trump’s demands to European countries. Alliance members are asked to take concrete action.
“Now, European leaders are under significant pressure to quickly demonstrate concrete plans to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit point that has been blockaded by Iran during the ongoing conflict,” Reuters reported on Friday (10/4/2026).
Speaking in Washington a day after meeting Trump, Rutte said that some alliance members were initially slow in providing assistance to the US in Iran and felt a bit surprised. But now there is substantial support, including bases and logistics.
“Almost without exception, the allies are doing everything asked by the United States. They have heard and responded to President Trump’s requests,” Rutte said in his speech hosted by the Ronald Reagan Institute.
In fact, several European allies have expressed their willingness to help in the Strait of Hormuz. But only if there is a lasting cessation of hostilities and an agreement with Iran that their ships will not be attacked.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart also issued a statement on Thursday regarding the outcome of her leader’s discussions in the US. She said it is clear that the US expects commitments.
“The Secretary General is in contact with allies regarding his discussions in Washington. It is clear that the United States expects commitments and concrete actions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Hart stated.
“NATO Doesn’t Need Us Anymore”
Trump himself previously posted a statement on his Truth Social account after meeting Rutte on Wednesday, using capital letters. He wrote a scathing criticism of the alliance’s role so far.
“NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again,” Trump wrote.
A senior European official said that the NATO community currently feels more worried than confident about the developing situation. The meeting between Rutte and Trump is seen as not providing reassurance to other member countries.
“The NATO community feels more worried than confident at the moment. That meeting did not alleviate the existing concerns,” the official said.