NATO chief to meet Trump amid war on Iran

AFP , Saturday 4 Apr 2026

NATO chief Mark Rutte will meet Donald Trump on Wednesday on a visit to Washington, as the US president lashes out at the alliance over the US-Israeli war on Iran, NATO said Friday.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. AFP
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. AFP

 

Trump has suggested he is considering quitting the 77-year-old military alliance due to the response by European nations to his war.

The US leader has criticised NATO members for limiting access for American forces to bases on their territories and refusing to lead efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz.

NATO said that Rutte will meet Trump on April 8, and will also see Secretary of State Marco Rubio and defence chief Pete Hegseth.

The alliance chief will give a speech on April 9 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Institute.

Former Dutch prime minister Rutte has been dubbed a "Trump whisperer" for his ability to keep the US leader onside throughout a string of crises since he returned to office last year.

Rutte has insisted that Trump has made NATO stronger by getting European countries to agree to ramp up defence spending.

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