Trump says NATO allies had a ‘bad moment’ for not helping in potential Iran war
President Donald Trump, speaking at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, criticized Spain, Italy and the UK for not offering immediate support to the U.S. in a potential conflict with Iran. Trump described their response as a ‘bad moment’ but emphasized ‘tremendous unification’ among NATO members.
The U.K.’s new defense secretary, Wes Streeting, stated on Sunday that Europe will eventually thank President Trump for shaking the continent from its strategic complacency and compelling NATO allies to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
Streeting also indicated a potential recalibration of the U.K.’s transatlantic alliance under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, while reaffirming Britain’s stance against backing U.S. offensive military action against Iran.
“The first thing you do is you don’t suck up, and… my impression is President Trump, his administration… that’s not what they’re looking for, actually,” Streeting told Sky News anchor Trevor Phillips, detailing his perspective on Washington.
“He’s a straightforward communicator. He says what he means and means what he says.”
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British Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting said that Europe will one day thank President Donald Trump for shaking Europe out of its strategic complacency and forcing NATO allies to shoulder more of their own defense. (Carl Court/Getty Images)
“I don’t know him, but I do trust the United States,” he added.
Streeting assumed command of the U.K. Ministry of Defence on July 20, the same day Burnham became prime minister.
“I’ve never even served in the role before. I’m aware that the U.S.-U.K. alliance is singular in history, culture, and politics, driven by mutual self-interest and shared objectives,” Streeting said. “It’s a critical partnership.”
During his first week in office, Streeting spoke with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth about maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and NATO commitments.
“In my first week as defense secretary, I’ve gained unique insight into how tightly linked this relationship remains to defense and security priorities,” Streeting explained.
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Streeting expressed enthusiasm for meeting his U.S. counterpart, War Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
“As defense secretary, I welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with Pete Hegseth. While we’ve clearly stated we will not support offensive operations in Iran, there are substantial areas for cooperation—securing the Strait of Hormuz, preventing Iran’s nuclear weapons program, and strengthening NATO capabilities together,” he emphasized.
Trump has consistently urged European NATO members to increase defense spending, arguing they must bear a larger share of the alliance’s security burden.
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“We may not always agree with his statements or methods,” Streeting acknowledged about President Trump. “But I believe history will recognize that his actions have pushed Europe to become self-reliant, ending our overreliance on U.S. defense support.” (Stoyan Nenov/Reuters)
At Turkey’s July NATO summit, Trump pressured allies to honor their defense investment commitments.
“This longstanding U.S. concern with European defense contributions spans both Democratic and Republican administrations. In today’s world, it is imperative we act to secure our own safety,” Streeting stated.
The U.K. defense secretary added, “We can collaborate with European allies while working with the United States, without the historic level of dependency that has defined NATO’s structure.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street for further comment.