Key facts
- Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker stated that President Donald Trump's anger at allies over Iran is an exaggeration.
- Volker indicated that NATO allies were not consulted regarding potential action in Iran.
- Volker expects Trump to moderate his criticism at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
- Volker cited respect for host President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a reason for Trump's potential moderation.
- A top NATO commander reported that European allies have largely replaced U.S. reductions in NATO contributions.
- This indicates a shift in burden-sharing within the alliance.
Former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker has described President Donald Trump's reported "raging" at allies for not joining a potential war in Iran as an exaggeration. Volker stated that allies were not consulted on the matter, suggesting this is why they have not committed to such action. He anticipates that Trump will likely temper his criticisms of allies at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, attributing this potential shift to a desire to show respect for the summit's host, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.