President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies for what he described as a lack of support in the escalating conflict with Iran, while praising Persian Gulf nations for backing U.S. efforts in the region.
Speaking in Miami at the Future Investment Initiative on Friday, Trump said he was “very disappointed” that NATO countries did not come to the United States’s aid.
“We’re very disappointed, by the way, with NATO—they didn’t come to our aid,” Trump said, before singling out leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“I’ve always said NATO is a paper tiger,” Trump added. “We help NATO, but they’ll never help us. And if the big one ever happened — and I don’t think it will — I guarantee you, they wouldn’t be there.”
In contrast, Trump praised several Gulf partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, crediting them with supporting U.S. operations in Iran.
“I want to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — they’ve been very helpful,” he said. “Unlike NATO, Saudi Arabia fought, Qatar fought, UAE fought, Bahrain fought, and Kuwait fought.”
Trump also referenced an incident in which Kuwaiti air defenses mistakenly targeted U.S. aircraft, shooting down three American planes. “They didn’t know they were our planes,” he said, adding that the patriot missiles used were among “the finest” available.
At one point, the president appeared to joke while discussing the strategic waterway at the center of the conflict. “They have to open up the Strait of Trump — I mean, Hormuz,” he said, quickly correcting himself. “The fake news will say, ‘He accidentally said —’ No. There’s no accidents from me.”
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in the ongoing tensions. A significant share of the world’s energy supply passes through the narrow channel, and shipping traffic has significantly slowed due to the conflict.
TRUMP’S IRAN DEAL MUST BE NOTHING LIKE OBAMA’S
Trump also briefly alluded to Cuba, saying, “Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn’t say that.”
The remarks come as the United States and Iran continue negotiations this week aimed at ending the conflict and the disruptions to the global energy market.
