Trump Criticizes NATO and European Nations for Silence on Iran, Says We Didn't Need Their Help.

President Donald Trump has again criticized European countries for their lack of support in the U.S.–Israel effort against Iran.

During a meeting with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte on Wednesday in the Oval Office, Trump voiced his disappointment that NATO members had not joined the military effort.

“We didn’t need assistance on this at all. We defeated them in literally the first week,” Trump said regarding Iran.

“However, it would have been appreciated if they had expressed a desire to assist. We didn’t even require it, but it would have been nice if they had offered.”

Trump, who has publicly considered reducing U.S. involvement in the transatlantic alliance, said he would discuss the matter further with Rutte privately.

“We’re going to be discussing what transpired, and we’ll see what unfolds,” he stated.

The president has repeatedly expressed disappointment that European nations did not contribute more to U.S. efforts in its conflict with Iran, which sparked weeks of turmoil across the Middle East and affected the global economy.

Rutte’s visit comes at a crucial time, as NATO is set to hold its annual summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7, about two weeks away.

Rutte is generally seen as supportive of Trump, and critics view his White House visit as an attempt to placate the president.

During the meeting, Trump praised Rutte, calling him a “great guy, great leader, great secretary‑general.”