- By Ajeet Kumar
- Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Trump considers US withdrawal from NATO alliance.
- Cites allies' lack of support on Iran action.
- British PM Starmer responds to Trump's comments.
The feud between US allies is now visible from miles away. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump made a strong statement against the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a 32-member intergovernmental military alliance founded to ensure collective security and defend democracy, primarily in Europe and North America.
Trump said he was strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO after allies failed to back US military action against Iran. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump described the alliance as a "paper tiger" and said removing the United States from the defence pact was now "beyond reconsideration," the newspaper reported. He said he had long held doubts about NATO's credibility.
"Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration," Trump told the newspaper when asked about whether he would reconsider US membership of the alliance after the conflict.
"I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way."
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump expressed frustration with allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the US war effort, telling them to "go get your own oil."
ALSO READ: Trump Wants To Take Control Of Iranian Oil: Is It Good Or Bad News For India? Explained
US allies frustrated over Trump's unpredictable announcement
The statement wasn’t taken well among the top US allies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would act in the country's interest, whatever the "noise", when asked about Trump saying he was strongly considering pulling the United States out of NATO.
"Whatever the pressure on me and others, whatever the noise, I'm going to act in the British national interest in the decisions that I make," Starmer told reporters on Wednesday.
"This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict. That is not in our national interest, " added Starmer.
Keir Starmer on Iran:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 1, 2026
This is not our war. We will not be drawn into the conflict.
That is not in our national interest. pic.twitter.com/dS77KJWuvj
The crucial statement from Starmer came as Tump on multiple ocassions criticised him of not taking stand on Iran war-- a complete u-turn in comparison to last year's mood where he used to praise the UK PM.
🚨 WATCH: Keir Starmer's full address to the nation
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) April 1, 2026
"It is now clear the impact of this war will affect the future of our country. So today I want to reassure the British people: no matter how fierce this storm, we are well placed to weather it" pic.twitter.com/VQWdTr1vKT
ALSO READ: Iran Offers Oil To India At Premium To Brent Crude After US Eases Curbs Amid Hormuz Crisis: Report
Australia distances itself from Trump waged Iran war
Meanwhile, Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a rare national address, where he ditanced Canberra from the ongoing Middle East conflict and said his country is facing unprecedented fuel crisis. He urged Australians to use public transport due to fuel supply uncertainties created by the Iran war.
My Address to the Nation. pic.twitter.com/Iaqts9Rd4X
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 1, 2026
Albanese said in a statement broadcast Wednesday by major television and radio networks that "the months ahead may not be easy." "You should go about your business and your life as normal. Enjoy your Easter," Albanese said. "And over the coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
