The move came amid ongoing tensions between the US and its NATO allies. The White House maintained that some European countries have "turned their backs on the American people over the course of the last six weeks, when it’s the American people who have been funding their defense.”
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is paying a visit to the US, during which he and US President Donald Trump are expected to have “a very frank and candid conversation”. She also reiterated Trump's view that the US conflict with Iran was a “test”, which NATO failed.
After the US and Iran reached a temporary ceasefire, some NATO countries, including the UK, expressed readiness to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the White House has shown little interest in this proposal and continues to take a firm stance toward its allies.
