The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced that he is considering withdrawing the country from NATO, as tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
This comes as the United Kingdom prepares to host a meeting of 35 allied nations to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
The United States has been engaged in conflict with Iran for about a month, a situation that has significantly impacted the global economy, particularly oil prices.
Trump had earlier urged European NATO members to support the U.S. in the conflict. However, many declined, arguing that they were not consulted before the war began and therefore could not commit to involvement.
Speaking to Reuters on April 1, 2026, Trump said he is now seriously considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO.
“I will discuss with NATO what has disappointed me,” he said.
When asked directly whether he was ready to withdraw from the alliance, Trump said it was a strong possibility.
He added, “Very much so, and without any problem. If you were in my position, wouldn’t you do the same?”
NATO was established in 1949, bringing together European countries, the United States and Canada to provide collective defense, particularly against threats that existed during the Cold War era.
The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is expected to meet representatives from 35 countries on April 2, 2026, to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
Iran had closed the route, reportedly deploying drones, missiles and naval mines, following U.S. strikes on its territory on February 28, 2026.
The United Kingdom has stressed that reopening the Strait is essential to stabilizing global energy supplies and addressing the broader economic impact caused by the disruption.
