In an exclusive interview with the Financial Times on March 16, US President Donald Trump delivered tough messages aimed at allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He affirmed that NATO's survival and future strength depend entirely on whether member states are willing to stand side by side with the US in the Middle East campaign.
This statement was made at a time when the Strait of Hormuz is being seriously blockaded due to the escalating conflict between the US and Iran. This is the world's most important crude oil transport route, and the closure of this area is pushing global energy prices into an alarming state.
Mr. Trump believes that allied countries that are benefiting from the stability of the oil market must take responsibility with the US to bear military costs and risks.
This "pressure diplomacy" tactic is not too new to Mr. Trump. Throughout his term, he has always maintained the view that European countries are relying too much on the US security umbrella without making a worthy contribution.
By linking NATO's fate to the operation in Iran, Washington is sending a clear message that support from the US will no longer be obvious without sacrifice from allies.
Faced with these harsh statements, many NATO member countries in Europe are in a dilemma. On the one hand, they do not want to confront the Trump administration directly to protect traditional relations. On the other hand, being drawn into a large-scale war with Iran in the Gulf is something that most European countries want to avoid at all costs to protect economic interests and domestic security.
Analysts believe this could be an important turning point in reshaping NATO's structure in 2026. The deadlock between the US and its allies not only weakens the coalition's deterrent capabilities but also creates opportunities for geopolitical rivals to exploit this division. The biggest question now is whether European countries will concede to Mr. Trump's pressure or will choose the risky path of defense autonomy.
