Former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on European leaders to take a firmer stance toward United States President Donald Trump, linking current transatlantic tensions directly to Washington’s handling of the ongoing war with Iran.
Speaking in an interview reported by Sky News with journalist Wilfred Frost, Rasmussen said Europe should be prepared to push back against US policies, particularly those contributing to instability in the Middle East. He suggested that the “mess” facing the United States is closely tied to the escalating conflict with Iran and its global consequences.
Rasmussen proposed that European nations deliver a clear message to Trump: they are willing to help resolve the crisis, but only under certain conditions. These include ending tariffs imposed on allied countries, maintaining strong US engagement in NATO, and continuing support for Ukraine.
His remarks come as the Iran conflict continues to strain relations between Washington and its European partners. The war has disrupted global energy markets, contributed to rising oil prices, and heightened security concerns across the region. European leaders have increasingly voiced frustration over both the economic fallout and the strategic direction of US policy.
At the same time, divisions within NATO have become more visible. Some European governments have been reluctant to fully support US military actions, with several officials arguing that the Iran war was not initiated collectively by the alliance. This has fueled debate over burden-sharing and the future of transatlantic cooperation.
Rasmussen stressed that continued US involvement in Europe remains critical, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Russia and the need to support Ukraine. However, he warned that cooperation cannot be one-sided, and that allies expect consistency and respect in return. Read_More…