The White House has accused Britain and other Nato allies of turning their backs on the American people during the conflict with Iran. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was 'quite sad' that Nato members had failed to support US efforts, despite American funding for their defence.
The criticism came ahead of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte in Washington. Trump was expected to raise the possibility of the US leaving the alliance, which he has previously called a 'paper tiger'. The president has been angered by Nato's refusal to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route effectively closed by Iran.
Leavitt dismissed offers from the UK and other allies to contribute to freedom of navigation after a ceasefire, quoting Trump: 'They were tested and they failed.' She confirmed that leaving Nato remains under discussion.
The UK's refusal to join the US offensive against Iran, codenamed Operation Epic Fury, and restrictions on the use of British bases have strained relations between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Trump. Starmer travelled to Saudi Arabia to support the ceasefire and work on a post-conflict security plan.
Trump has long criticised Nato allies for insufficient defence spending and has already reduced US military support for Ukraine. Rutte, who has a warm relationship with Trump, praised US efforts against Iran and called for greater burden-sharing within the alliance.
