The era of the 'one-way street' in NATO is rapidly drawing to a close. As the United States and Israel take necessary action to neutralize the Iranian threat and secure the vital Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon is reportedly weighing options to address the blatant lack of support from European allies.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear this week that the time for European free-riding is over, noting that these nations benefit from American protection while failing to contribute to the fight when it matters most.
The frustration in Washington is palpable, particularly regarding Spain’s refusal to allow the use of its air bases for operations against the Iranian regime.
While NATO bureaucrats hide behind the claim that the alliance’s founding treaty lacks a mechanism for expulsion, the reality is that the U.S. is no longer willing to tolerate 'paper tiger' allies who talk big but refuse to act.
Internal Pentagon deliberations have reportedly even considered reassessing diplomatic support for European overseas territories as a consequence for this lack of cooperation. President Trump has long maintained that the 32-member alliance must be a two-way street.
With the U.S. carrying the heavy lifting of global security, it is past time for our allies to stop hiding behind international law and start pulling their weight in a conflict that directly impacts their own energy security.
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