President Trump Says Middle East Allies Are ‘Much Better’ Than NATO, Praises Gulf Nations for Iran War Support
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
President Donald Trump has declared that the United States’ allies in the Middle East are “much better” partners than NATO, praising Gulf nations for their support during the Iran war while continuing his sharp criticism of the transatlantic alliance. The remarks, made during a CNBC interview, underscore the president’s deep frustration with European allies who declined to participate in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran .
“The ones that aren’t helping are NATO. We’ll never need them. Actually, they’ll need us. They need us desperately, because they’re a paper tiger.” — President Donald Trump
The president’s praise for Middle Eastern partners comes as the fragile two-week ceasefire with Iran approaches its expiration, with Trump warning he expects to resume bombing if no deal is reached .
‘They’re Helping Us All Over’
Trump specifically praised the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for their cooperation during the conflict.
“The UAE has been a great ally, a wonderful ally,” Trump said during the interview. “They’re fighting. They’re helping us on the Strait. They’re helping us all over” .
The president noted that a currency swap with the UAE is “under consideration” as a form of support for allies who have proven reliable. “These are unusual times,” he said, while acknowledging that a financial lifeline to the wealthy Gulf nation could face domestic scrutiny. “I’m surprised. They’re really rich,” Trump quipped .
In earlier remarks, Trump thanked Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain for their support, stating: “They’ve been great, and we will not let them get hurt or fail in any way, shape or form” .
The NATO Rift: ‘They Were Tested, and They Failed’
Trump’s praise for Middle Eastern allies stands in stark contrast to his view of NATO, which has been strained to a breaking point during the Iran war.
“NATO wasn’t there when we needed them, and they won’t be there if we need them again.” — President Donald Trump
During a private meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump expressed “clear disappointment” with allies who refused to join the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran .
Rutte described the exchange as “very frank, very open,” acknowledging that Trump “clearly told me what he thought of what happened over the last couple of weeks” .
Specific European actions that angered the White House:
| Country | Action |
|---|---|
| Spain | Banned US from using jointly operated military bases and airspace for Iran war operations |
| France | Restricted use of airspace and joint military facilities |
| Multiple NATO members | Refused to send naval forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz |
| Various allies | Denied US military planes overflight access |
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump believes NATO “was tested, and they failed,” adding that “it’s quite sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people over the last six weeks when it’s the American people who have been funding their defense” .
The Gulf Allies: ‘Stand-Up’ Partners
Trump has consistently contrasted the performance of Gulf nations with that of European allies throughout the conflict.
| Middle East Ally | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Fighting; helping secure the Strait of Hormuz |
| United Arab Emirates | Fighting; currency swap under consideration |
| Bahrain | Combat operations |
| Kuwait | Combat operations (including, Trump noted lightheartedly, the accidental friendly fire downing of three US F-15Es) |
| Qatar | Support for US operations |
| Israel | Primary regional partner |
“Unlike NATO, Saudi Arabia fought, UAE fought, Bahrain fought and Kuwait fought,” Trump said at a Saudi investment conference in Miami . “Very disappointed with NATO, but I wasn’t disappointed with our allies in the Middle East and others” .
Trump specifically acknowledged Kuwait’s combat role, quipping that “they fought, even though they shot down three of our planes with the finest missiles. We could have done without that. They didn’t know they were our planes” .
The ‘Paper Tiger’ Alliance
Trump’s characterization of NATO as a “paper tiger” is not new — he has used the term repeatedly throughout the conflict. He has also threatened to withdraw the United States from the alliance, though a 2023 law prohibits any president from leaving NATO without congressional approval .
Trump’s long-standing grievances with NATO include:
- European allies’ refusal to meet defense spending targets (2% of GDP)
- Lack of support for US military operations outside Europe
- Trade imbalances and tariff disputes
- European opposition to US policies on Iran and other global issues
The Iran war has exacerbated these tensions, with European leaders voicing opposition to US military action. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump’s approach, saying the war requires a “serious” strategy that does not change every day . Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has emerged as a leading European critic, banning the US from using Spanish military bases and airspace for the conflict .
Strategic Implications: A Shift in US Alliances?
Trump’s praise for Gulf allies and criticism of NATO reflects a potential reorientation of US foreign policy away from traditional European alliances and toward partnerships in the Middle East and Asia.
Key questions for the future of US alliances:
| Question | Implication |
|---|---|
| Will the US reduce its military presence in Europe? | The administration is reportedly considering moving US troops out of “unhelpful” NATO members |
| Will the US increase security commitments to Gulf states? | Trump has promised not to let allies “get hurt or fail” |
| How will European allies respond to US pressure? | European leaders are pushing for “strategic autonomy” in defense |
| What does this mean for NATO’s future? | Experts warn of a “dangerous point” for the alliance |
The White House is reportedly considering a plan to move US troops out of NATO countries deemed unhelpful during the Iran war and station them in more supportive nations, including potentially Gulf states .
What Comes Next
As the Iran war ceasefire teeters on the brink of expiration, Trump’s contrasting views of Middle Eastern and European allies will likely shape his foreign policy approach regardless of the conflict’s outcome.
| Scenario | Implication for Alliances |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire extended; deal reached | Trump may deepen ties with Gulf partners as reliable allies |
| Ceasefire expires; war resumes | European allies likely to maintain distance; Gulf support critical |
| Trump re-elected | Potential US withdrawal from NATO, increased Gulf engagement |
Trump’s message is clear: in his view, the United States has found reliable partners in the Middle East who are willing to fight alongside American forces. NATO, he believes, has failed that test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which Middle East allies did President Trump praise?
Trump specifically praised the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar for their support during the Iran war. He called the UAE an “amazing ally” and noted that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been “fighting” and “helping us on the Strait” .
2. What did Trump say about NATO?
Trump called NATO a “paper tiger,” said “NATO wasn’t there when we needed them,” and claimed the alliance “will never help us.” He has also threatened to withdraw the US from NATO, though a 2023 law requires congressional approval .
3. Why is Trump angry with NATO allies?
Several NATO members refused to join the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, denied overflight access to US military aircraft, and declined to send naval forces to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Spain and France specifically restricted use of their airspace and bases .
4. Is the US providing financial support to Gulf allies?
Trump said a currency swap with the UAE is “under consideration” as a form of support. He noted that while the UAE is “really rich,” “these are unusual times” .
5. Did any Gulf allies suffer friendly fire incidents?
Yes. Trump noted that Kuwait accidentally shot down three US F-15E fighter jets with Patriot missiles during combat operations. All six crew members successfully ejected and were recovered .
6. What is the status of the US-Iran ceasefire?
The two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan is set to expire on April 22, 2026. Trump has stated he does not want to extend it and expects to resume bombing if no deal is reached .
7. Can Trump withdraw the US from NATO?
A 2023 law prevents any US president from pulling out of NATO without congressional approval. However, the administration could reduce US troop presence and security commitments in practice .
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