US President Donald Trump is "clearly disappointed" with many NATO allies for not supporting the US and Israel's war against Iran to the extent he would have liked, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said after meeting with Trump on Wednesday.
Rutte, who described the meeting as a frank and open discussion between “two good friends,” told CNN that he understood the president’s frustration. But he said he pointed out to Trump that many European countries helped in other ways, including providing logistics, air flights, setting up bases and other support.
However, Trump continued to attack NATO allies after the meeting.
"NATO wasn't there when we needed them, and they won't be there if we need them again," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Asked ahead of the meeting whether the US was still considering withdrawing from NATO, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said Trump would likely discuss the issue with Rutte.
And Rutte refused to answer whether the president said he would try to withdraw.
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Rutte insisted that most of Europe supports the president when it comes to eliminating Iran's capacity to "export chaos."
In a statement issued earlier, leaders of a number of European countries welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States and said that "our governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
