US to audit NATO allies for war contributions as Trump weighs troop withdrawals

The US administration has notified Britain that it will be subject to an audit alongside other NATO members to identify countries that must be penalized for “disappointing” the president during the war with Iran.

The UK remains under sustained pressure, along with NATO allies, to increase military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, with warnings that failure to assist will carry consequences.

As pressure from Washington intensifies, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued his sharpest criticism of President Trump to date, stating he is “fed up” with the US leader’s actions leading to increased energy bills for households and businesses.

The two leaders spoke by telephone last night to discuss the “need for a practical plan to restart maritime shipping as quickly as possible” through the strait.

Plans by Trump to penalize and reward NATO members are currently under discussion. One option involves withdrawing US troops from countries deemed “less supportive,” a move intended to deliver both a military and economic blow to the host nation.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has informed diplomats that political support alone will be insufficient. Rutte expects concrete military commitments within the next few days, as Trump seeks to resume oil exports from the Gulf at pre-war levels.

A source involved in the discussions said the US plans to audit each member’s contribution to the war effort before deciding who will be “held to account.”

The Trump administration is seeking to address the president’s growing dissatisfaction with the Western alliance, which he has characterized as a “paper tiger.” On Thursday, he reiterated his frustration with NATO, describing the allies’ response as “very disappointing” and adding that the only way members would “understand things” is through the application of pressure.

Responding to a query regarding the audit, the White House referred to a statement made last week by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio:

“Why are we in NATO? You have to ask that question. If we aren’t going to be allowed to use these bases when we need them, why are we sending trillions of dollars and deploying all these American forces in the region?”

Following “quite candid” talks with President Trump on Wednesday, NATO chief Mark Rutte noted that Trump had said NATO was being “tested and… failing.” Rutte suggested the delay in response from some allies was due to Trump not informing them of his plans.

A NATO spokesperson said:

“The Secretary-General is in contact with allies regarding his talks in Washington. It is clear that the US expects concrete commitments and steps to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. There has been no discussion of an ultimatum.”

Spain is regarded as the most vulnerable among countries likely to face sanctions for failing to meet Trump’s expectations, while France is also considered to have underperformed.

Although Trump has been highly critical of Britain’s response, officials believe London has performed relatively well during the conflict. Contributions have included granting the use of British bases for defensive airstrikes, intelligence sharing, assisting in Downing drones, and RAF sorties in the Gulf reaching their highest level in 15 years.