Pakistan, April 8 -- President Donald Trump met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House Wednesday as the Iran war strained the transatlantic alliance. Trump criticized NATO allies for insufficient support during the US-Israel strikes in Iran and suggested withdrawal threats. The meeting follows a two-week ceasefire agreement, which paused hostilities and raised global energy and security concerns.

Trump urged countries dependent on Gulf oil to help break Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. European nations, however, are reluctant to participate in mine-clearing or military operations while hostilities continue. Iran has stated it will continue to obstruct the strategic chokepoint with mines until the conflict formally ...