Donald Trump criticized NATO countries on Thursday, March 26th, alleging they have not assisted the U.S. in dealing with Iran following recent military actions.
Position of U.S. Allies
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the conflict in Iran “is not our war.” Similar sentiments were expressed by ministers from Germany, Italy, and Spain.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier described the war as a politically disastrous and avoidable mistake, unnecessary if the goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb, speaking on Tuesday at a ceremony at the German Foreign Ministry.
NATO Response and Coordination
As reported previously, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Monday that a group of 22 countries – primarily NATO members, along with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain – will unite to secure the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible.
“In this matter, we must cooperate. We need to jointly determine what is needed, when it is needed, and how we will do it as soon as the time comes to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open,” Rutte emphasized in an interview with Fox News Sunday.
Trump on U.S.-Iran Talks
Trump asserted that Iranian negotiators are “completely different and strange.” He stated, “They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, which they should be doing, since they have been militarily decimated and have no chance of returning, yet they publicly state that they are only ‘considering our proposal.’ WRONG!!! They better get to work quickly, before it’s too late, because when it happens, THERE WILL BE NO RETURN, and it won’t be pleasant!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.
Reported Negotiations and Iranian Response
On Wednesday evening, Trump said that Iranians are negotiating with Americans and “very much want to make a deal, but are afraid to say so.” Earlier, Iranian media denied reports from the U.S. president about alleged talks with Iran.
The Associated Press reported on Wednesday, citing Iranian state television, that Iran rejected a 15-point American proposal for a ceasefire and presented its own plan to end the conflict.
Editorial Note
Edited by Kamila Cieślik.
