UK and Nato allies ‘turned backs’ on Americans over Iran, says White House

Britain and other Nato allies “turned their backs” on the American people during the Iran war, according to the White House.

The criticism came ahead of a meeting in Washington between Donald Trump and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte, where they were due to have a “very frank and candid conversation” about the military alliance.

Mr Trump was expected to again raise the possibility of the US quitting the long-standing security organisation he has previously branded a “paper tiger”.

Following a ceasefire in the Iran war, a number of Nato allies, including the UK, said they would “contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”, which had been all but closed off by Tehran during the conflict, causing a shock to global trade.

But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was dismissive of the offer when asked at a news conference.

Sharing a quote from Mr Trump on Nato in response, she said: “They were tested and they failed.”

She added: “It’s quite sad that Nato turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks, when it’s the American people who have been funding their defence.”

Referring to the meeting with Mr Rutte, Ms Leavitt said: “I know he (Mr Trump) looks forward to having a very frank and candid conversation with him.”

Pressed over whether Mr Trump was still considering quitting Nato, Ms Leavitt said: “It’s something the president has discussed, and I think it’s something the president will be discussing in a couple of hours with secretary-general Rutte and perhaps you’ll hear directly from the president following that meeting later.”

The refusal by the UK to be drawn into the offensive against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the US, and restrict the use of its bases by American forces has put a severe strain on relations between Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Trump.

The US president has also previously complained about the contributions paid in by fellow Nato members, arguing America has been carrying other countries financially.

Earlier, Mr Rutte met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio where the pair discussed “burden shifting” within the military alliance.

Following the talks, US State Department principal deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “The two leaders discussed Operation Epic Fury, ongoing US-led efforts to bring a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war, and increasing co-ordination and burden shifting with Nato allies.”