Trump weighs U.S. NATO withdrawal after Iran war rift

Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 1, 2026, that he is strongly considering an attempt to withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), according to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper. His remarks came after he criticized NATO allies for not joining the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Trump said he was “never swayed by NATO” and described the alliance as a “paper tiger.”

Trump argued that allies “weren’t there for us” during the Iran conflict. The account also noted that the United States did not consult NATO partners on the war’s planning or on its economic and security implications. The comments place renewed focus on the political and legal hurdles surrounding any U.S. move to leave the alliance.

Under current U.S. law, a NATO withdrawal would require the “advice and consent of the Senate,” meaning approval by a two-thirds majority vote. That requirement sets a high threshold and makes the issue as much a domestic political test as a foreign policy decision. It also signals that any formal step would likely trigger an intense debate in Washington over U.S. security commitments and alliance strategy.

The prospect of a U.S. exit is raising concern among allied governments, particularly those backing Ukraine as it faces Russia’s ongoing invasion. NATO’s posture toward the war in Ukraine has been a central issue for European security planning, and uncertainty about U.S. participation can affect how allies assess deterrence and long-term support. Officials and markets often treat alliance cohesion as a key input into geopolitical risk, especially for Europe.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to NATO. He called it “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen,” underscoring London’s position as questions circulate about U.S. intentions. The statement also highlights the gap between Trump’s characterization of NATO and the view held by some allied leaders.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who has historically sought to undermine NATO, would likely welcome any development that weakens the alliance, according to the account. For NATO members and partners, the immediate unknown is whether Trump’s stated consideration translates into a concrete effort that can clear the Senate’s two-thirds requirement. S. policy direction and allied responses.