US President Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on NATO allies over the US-Israeli war on Iran are deepening divisions within the alliance, while simultaneously pushing European states toward greater unity against Washington’s demands.
Trump has intensified criticism of NATO members for refusing to join the aggression on Iran, even raising the prospect of reassessing the United States’ role in the alliance.
Describing NATO as a “paper tiger,” the US president has fueled concerns across Europe that the transatlantic alliance is facing one of the most serious crises in its history.
In interviews with POLITICO, European officials warn that the situation has already reached a critical point. “NATO is paralyzed — they can’t even have meetings,” one European diplomat said. Another EU official added: “It’s pretty clear NATO is already falling apart.”
European allies refuse to join war on Iran
European governments have largely rejected US demands to participate in the war, with several countries refusing access to airspace or military bases for operations.
“We all want the war to end, but we are not on the same page as the U.S.,” one official told POLITICO, noting that the Gulf conflict “has nothing to do with NATO.”
This refusal has extended across the continent, with European leaders maintaining a unified stance against direct military involvement despite mounting pressure from Washington.
Europe closes ranks amid growing tensions
Rather than fragmenting the alliance, Trump’s approach appears to be consolidating European coordination. Officials say discussions in Helsinki and other meetings have focused on how to respond collectively to US pressure.
“These 10 countries have always been really close to each other, but I would say they’re even closer now,” one official told POLITICO, referring to growing alignment among European states.
Another EU diplomat was more direct, stating to the news outlet that Trump has “destroyed” the transatlantic relationship and “unified” Europe in opposition to the war.
Alternative defense structures gain traction
Amid uncertainty over NATO’s future, European countries are accelerating efforts to strengthen alternative defense arrangements.
Initiatives such as the Joint Expeditionary Force and Nordic defense cooperation frameworks are gaining importance, while the EU is increasing defense spending and exploring collective security mechanisms.
Officials say these efforts reflect a broader shift toward strategic autonomy as confidence in US leadership declines.
Article 5 concerns and uncertain future
The crisis has also raised concerns about NATO’s core principle of collective defense. European officials warn that repeated US criticism risks undermining the credibility of Article 5.
“Any turmoil within the alliance with the U.S. in the epicenter is a cause of embarrassment and concern,” one NATO diplomat told POLITICO.
Despite these concerns, some leaders continue to stress the importance of preserving unity. Estonia’s Defense Minister, Hanno Pevkur, warned against deepening divisions, telling POLITICO, “For all the allies, at this very moment, it is important to build bridges, not to destroy the bridges.”
Economic pressures and Strait of Hormuz concerns
Beyond military tensions, European leaders are also focused on the economic fallout of the war, particularly disruptions to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
Efforts are underway to coordinate diplomatic and political measures to restore trade routes and stabilize oil markets, as rising prices and supply risks threaten broader economic stability.
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