President Donald Trump is exploring potential actions to penalize NATO partners who have declined to support his conflict with Iran. According to reports, Trump is in the process of compiling a list categorizing NATO countries based on their involvement or lack thereof in the US-Israel confrontation with Tehran.
The coordinated effort between the US and Israel, known as ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ commenced on February 28, resulting in widespread conflict in the Middle East due to missile strikes on Iran. Several NATO allies, such as the UK and France, have refrained from direct engagement in the war, with much of Europe advocating for peace amid global fuel shortages caused by the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Based on information from three European diplomats and a US defense official, Politico disclosed that US officials have devised a blueprint assessing NATO members’ contributions to the alliance, leading to tiered categorizations of countries. While details of the list remain undisclosed, it appears to classify nations as either favorable or unfavorable.
An anonymous European official highlighted the lack of concrete punitive measures for non-compliant allies, suggesting that relocating troops primarily impacts the US. Trump has issued warnings against allies who defy his directives, even hinting at a complete withdrawal from the alliance.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly emphasized the imbalance in support, stating that while the US has consistently backed its allies, reciprocal support during Operation Epic Fury has been lacking. Trump’s stance on this disparity is clear, signaling that the US will not forget the situation.
The specific countries deemed ‘nice’ remain uncertain, but Romania and Poland are potential candidates for their supportive roles. Poland covers most expenses related to hosting American troops, while Romania recently expanded an air base for US military use in the conflict with Iran.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously hinted at rewarding cooperative NATO allies while cautioning consequences for those failing to contribute to collective defense. Countries like Israel, South Korea, Poland, Germany, and the Baltic states may receive special favor for their proactive roles.