Trump warns NATO could face “serious scrutiny” over lack of support in Iran conflict

Trump said he was “very disappointed” in NATO, stressing that the alliance had failed to back Washington despite significant US contributions.

“They weren’t there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for NATO, and they weren’t there for us,” he said, adding that the alliance is now seeking to re-engage despite what he described as a diminished threat.

In turn, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat stated that NATO members are not “obliged” to provide support to the United States and Israel in the event of a war with Iran.

Earlier, NATO forces intercepted Iranian missiles over Türkiye in early March. According to Türkiye’s defense ministry, the missile was neutralized by NATO defense assets in the eastern Mediterranean after entering Turkish airspace. The ministry said fragments from the intercepted munition fell in open land in Gaziantep Province, with no injuries reported.

The Gaziantep governor’s office said a fragment landed in an empty area near the TOKI housing estate in the Guneysehir district. Authorities said there was no damage.

Türkiye’s presidential communications chief, Burhanettin Duran, said Ankara would continue to protect its airspace and border security, while also warning against actions that could threaten regional stability and endanger civilians.

The previous incident was reported on March 4, when NATO forces intercepted another missile launched from Iran toward Türkiye. After that episode, the alliance said it had reinforced its ballistic missile defense posture.

Incirlik air base, located near Adana, remains a key NATO facility used by US forces for decades.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the United States will begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.