President Trump is exploring options to hold accountable NATO allies who have not supported his conflict with Iran.
Reports suggest that the US President is compiling a list categorizing NATO countries based on their involvement in the US-Israel conflict with Tehran.
The US and Israel launched ‘Operation Epic Fury’ on February 28, resulting in a widespread conflict in the Middle East.
Several NATO allies, such as the UK and France, have refrained from direct involvement in the war, advocating for peace amidst global oil and gas shortages caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to sources, US officials have created a blueprint assessing NATO members’ contributions, potentially classifying countries into different tiers.
A diplomat mentioned that the list appears to differentiate between “good and bad” allies, although specific details are undisclosed.
One European official noted, “Punishing uncooperative allies remains unclear with options like troop movements potentially penalizing the US more than others.”
President Trump has threatened repercussions against allies who defy his directives, even hinting at a complete withdrawal from the alliance.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly highlighted the disparity in support, emphasizing that the US would remember the lack of assistance from its allies during Operation Epic Fury.
While the composition of the ‘good’ list is uncertain, countries like Romania and Poland may receive recognition for their support efforts. Poland covers most costs of hosting American troops, while Romania recently upgraded an air base for US military use in the conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously mentioned potential consequences for NATO allies based on their contributions to collective defense, indicating that supportive countries would be favored.