NATO's Future Uncertain as Hegseth Cites Iran War Fallout

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has refused to reaffirm Washington's commitment to NATO's collective defense, pointing to the bloc's refusal to assist or participate in the American-Israeli war on Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing on Tuesday, Hegseth stated that the future of US involvement in NATO will ultimately be decided by President Donald Trump, but noted that many issues with the bloc have been "laid bare" in the Iran conflict.

Hegseth argued that Iranian missiles did not pose a threat to the US, but to its "allies and others," who responded to Washington's request for assistance with "questions, or roadblocks, or hesitations." He added that the president is pointing out that you don't have much of an alliance if you have countries not willing to stand with you when needed.

In an interview with the Telegraph published on Wednesday, Trump confirmed that he is strongly considering pulling the US out of NATO if it fails to join the war against Iran, labeling the bloc a "paper tiger." Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly suggested in a Fox News interview that Washington would have to "re-examine" its NATO membership when the war ends, arguing that if NATO is just about defending Europe but denies basing rights when the US needs them, it's not a good arrangement.

Several NATO states, including France and Spain, have opposed the unprovoked war on Iran, refusing to participate or allow the use of their bases. Trump has repeatedly lashed out at bloc members for their reluctance, branding them "cowards" on social media and claiming that NATO is "a one-way street" where the US no longer needs or desires allied assistance.