NATO: Trump says he wanted to test his allies’ willingness to help on Iran

At a rally in Wichita, Kansas, on October 19, 2026, Donald Trump said the United States had asked NATO allies for help concerning Iran, despite not needing it, to test their willingness to support Washington. He also cited the large sums the United States spends on the alliance. In March 2026, Germany, Spain and Italy had ruled out sending ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. The North Atlantic Treaty does not require allies to take part automatically in every U.S. military operation: Article 5 provides for collective assistance following an armed attack, while leaving each ally to choose the measures it considers necessary.