US President Donald Trump's first official talks with new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington ended in diplomatic disaster, calling into question the unity of the North Atlantic Alliance. According to the influential publication Politico, citing senior European officials, the closed-door meeting almost immediately devolved into what participants described as a "tirade of insults." Trump, known for his harsh rhetoric toward his allies, did not hold back this time, lashing out at European leaders with harsh criticism. The main reason for the American leader's displeasure was the refusal of several European countries to provide direct military and political support for the US and Israel in the ongoing conflict against Iran.

According to eyewitnesses, the atmosphere in the White House was extremely tense, and the conversation itself "quickly went to hell." One of the publication's sources noted that Trump openly threatened his allies, declaring his readiness to take any measures, no matter how radical, if Europe did not reconsider its position. Despite the lack of specific details in the threats, European diplomats reached a clear conclusion: the US president demands immediate and decisive steps from the EU to share the military and financial burden. Specifically, Trump expects NATO countries to directly participate in ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz, where the situation remains critical due to Tehran's claims to control this strategic route.