President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO on Wednesday evening after a White House meeting with alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte, expressing ongoing disappointment over allies' lack of support in the recent war with Iran.

Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after the discussion: "NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted the president as saying NATO allies "were tested, and they failed."

The meeting came amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, reached after weeks of conflict that began in March when Israel struck Iranian targets, drawing in American forces under Operation Epic Fury. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, causing global energy prices to surge and straining European economies dependent on the waterway.

Trump has repeatedly faulted NATO members for refusing to provide military assets, airspace access or assistance in reopening the strait, despite the U.S. bearing the brunt of the fighting. Allies including Spain and France denied use of bases and airspace for U.S. operations, citing the conflict as a unilateral U.S.-Israeli action outside NATO's scope.

Rutte acknowledged Trump's frustration, noting that "some" NATO countries failed to meet commitments during the crisis, while praising U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear and missile sites. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also met Rutte, said the administration would "reexamine" the U.S.-NATO relationship after the conflict resolves.

Leavitt highlighted the disparity, stating it was "sad that NATO turned their backs on the American people" who fund much of the alliance's defense. Trump has long criticized NATO for inadequate defense spending by members, a grievance now amplified by the Iran episode.

European leaders have pushed back, arguing they were not consulted before the war and face its economic fallout without prior involvement. The U.K. deployed defense systems to Gulf states but emphasized its close ties to the U.S.

As ceasefire talks continue in Islamabad, the transatlantic rift underscores debates over NATO's relevance and burden-sharing in crises beyond Europe.