Trump rebukes NATO allies in tense White House talks with Rutte over Iran

Following the two-hour meeting, Rutte acknowledged strains within the alliance, describing the exchange as candid but constructive, even as divisions over the conflict with Iran came into clearer focus.

Tensions between the United States and its Nato partners escalated on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump voiced sharp dissatisfaction during talks with alliance chief Mark Rutte at the White House.

Following the two-hour meeting, Rutte acknowledged strains within the alliance, describing the exchange as candid but constructive, even as divisions over the conflict with Iran came into clearer focus.

"He is clearly disappointed with many Nato allies, and I can see his point," Rutte said on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, adding: "This was a very frank, very open discussion, but also a discussion between two good friends," Reuters reported.

The comments came after the White House underscored Trump’s frustration, with spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt quoting the president as saying Nato allies had been “tested” by the crisis and fallen short.

Disagreements have centred on the military response to Iran, with several member states declining to back US operations — including denying access to their airspace and withholding naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Rutte, without naming specific countries, said that in his view "some" Nato members had failed to meet expectations during the Iran operation, though "the large majority of Europeans" had been supportive.