WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 31 refused to confirm U.S. commitment to NATO’s collective defense pact, deferring the call to President Donald Trump after European allies balked at supporting America in the war against Iran.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth remarked, “As far as NATO is concerned, that’s a decision that will be left to the president. But I’ll just say a lot has been laid bare.” He criticized allies like France, Italy, Spain, and Britain for denying airspace access, basing, and overflights needed for U.S. operations.
“You don’t have much of an alliance if you have countries that are not willing to stand with you when you need them,” Hegseth added, echoing Trump’s frustrations. The comments raise alarms over Article 5, NATO’s core tenet since 1949 that an attack on one is an attack on all, potentially emboldening Russia.
Tensions have simmered since Trump’s second term began last year, fueled by trade reviews worth US$2 trillion, Greenland ownership demands from Denmark, and his push for a Russia-favorable Ukraine peace deal. France blocked Israeli resupply flights with U.S. weapons; Italy denied Sigonella landings; Spain shut its airspace to strike-related planes.
Trump blasted closest ally Britain on social media for sitting out the conflict, posting: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself… Iran has been, essentially, decimated. Go get your own oil!” With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, he warned Europe to fend for itself.
Experts fear such rhetoric could erode NATO unity, even without a full withdrawal that might need congressional approval, testing the alliance’s resolve against adversaries.