Transatlantic Ties Between the U.S. and Europe Deteriorate Due to War Against Iran, Says WSJ

The transatlantic relationship between the United States and Europe is currently experiencing significant difficulties as a result of the war unfolding against Iran. According to an article in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), this important geopolitical partnership, which ranks among the most significant globally, is approaching a rupture due to increasing contradictions among allies.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his outrage towards European allies who have not joined military actions against Iran. He discussed with aides and media representatives the possibility of the United States withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has raised concerns among European leaders who oppose the military operation by the U.S. and Israel, deeming it illegal and unjustified.

"In the escalating conflict, the future of NATO is at stake," the publication emphasizes. Previously, Trump's key grievances with NATO revolved around burden-sharing, where he criticized European countries for insufficient participation in ensuring the collective defense of the continent. Now, with European NATO member countries not participating in the war, Trump is questioning whether the protection of Europe truly aligns with U.S. interests.

The position of the White House indicates a departure from the traditional U.S. global strategy, which has regarded the stability and security of Europe as key interests of the United States. Donald Trump has never been a supporter of NATO; however, the situation has changed recently, as noted by François Heisbourg, a special advisor at the Foundation for Strategic Research in Paris. He pointed out that Washington is explicitly stating its abandonment of NATO, and the idea that the alliance may be unnecessary is a new development.

The anger of the Trump administration has peaked partly due to European countries imposing restrictions on the use of American military bases and airspace for military purposes. European allies have also not responded to Trump's demands for assistance in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, despite this, Europe has also subtly contributed to the U.S. war against Iran. For instance, U.S. military ships and aircraft have utilized bases in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and other European countries for logistical support and conducting strikes against Iran.

According to American officials, Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding the alliance, so its story is not over. However, a decision to withdraw from NATO could face significant legal complexities. Despite this, the article's authors note that NATO could effectively disband even if the treaty is legally upheld.

Optimistically inclined European officials believe that Trump's threats are a strategy aimed at pressuring allies for greater assistance regarding Iran. However, the question remains whether NATO retains its effectiveness as a deterrent factor. In the view of François Heisbourg, "there is no longer trust." According to him, this situation resembles a divorce—once certain words are spoken, they cannot be retracted.

On April 1, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with The Telegraph that he is seriously considering the possibility of withdrawing the United States from NATO after allies refused to join his war against Iran. Previously, Trump claimed that America did not need help in the war with Iran. In a post on social media platform Truth Social on March 17, he remarked that he "always knew that the Alliance would never help the U.S." In response, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a passionate defense of NATO values, warning that regular comments questioning the U.S. commitment to the Alliance "undermine its very essence" and urged leaders to "be serious."