Could NATO get drawn into conflict with Iran?
Share and Follow


() U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend have raised fears of broader conflict, with more countries being drawn into the fray.

The strikes come just ahead of a NATO summit and raise the question of whether U.S. involvement in the conflict that began with Israel and Iran could expand to include other member countries.

European leaders have called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, but it’s unclear whether leaders will heed that call, with Israel continuing to launch strikes on Iran and the U.S. having hinted at possible strikes in the future if Iran doesn’t capitulate.

Article Five of the North Atlantic Treaty says that an attack on one member state is an attack on them all, an agreement that NATO countries will come to each other’s defense.

The U.S. has not formally declared war on Iran and Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. is not at war with Iran, but is at war with Iran’s nuclear program.

However, the decision to strike Iran has opened Pandora’s box, former diplomat Brett Bruen told .

“When you fire missiles into another country and knock out their military capabilities, that is the very definition of war. There’s, in fact, something called the law of war. It also allows for, under that law, the party that was attacked to respond in kind,” he said.

President Donald Trump has said he wants Iran to come to the negotiating table. But Iran’s leadership said before the strikes that any U.S. attacks on Iranian soil would be considered an act of war.

Iran has not yet retaliated for the strikes but has warned that it will do so with greater force. It’s also not clear there would be enough trust for Iran to consider a deal,

“Why the heck should Tehran believe that Trump is going to honor a deal? Why should they take him at his word when he said, I’ll give you two weeks and then he gave them two days?” Bruen said.

While Iran has non-military options, including closing the Strait of Hormuz, which would drive up oil prices, the country has also threatened to strike U.S. assets in the region.

NATO has stood by the U.S. before, when Article 5 was invoked after the 9/11 attacks. But those attacks weren’t prompted by any U.S. military action.

Trump has also distanced himself from NATO, seeking closer alliances with traditional adversaries like Russia and at times snubbing traditional NATO allies.

The president has also rankled NATO members by demanding they up their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, while not requiring the U.S. to do the same. He’s also been sharply critical of the alliance, taking the stance that the U.S. has put more into NATO than it has gotten out of the agreement.

“This, quite frankly, also speaks to the need for Trump to more closely coordinate with NATO allies,” Bruen said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Baltimore bloodshed drops as law-and-order push targets repeat criminals

Baltimore’s Crime Reduction Efforts Lead to Decrease in Repeat Offender Violence

Baltimore experienced a significant reduction in homicides in 2025, building on a…
A second Super Bowl for Matthew Stafford could cap off NFL legacy

Matthew Stafford Eyes Second Super Bowl Victory to Cement NFL Legacy

SEATTLE — Matthew Stafford has an opportunity to solidify his place in…
Brooklyn Beckham's ex Afton McKeith claims he's 'telling the truth'

Afton McKeith Speaks Out: Brooklyn Beckham’s Ex Supports His Side of the Story

Brooklyn Beckham’s former girlfriend, Afton McKeith, has asserted that his recent controversial…
Hochul demands removal of Noem, Border Patrol's Bovino

Governor Hochul Calls for Dismissal of Noem and Border Patrol Chief Bovino

In a strong statement on Sunday, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York…
Deputy saves mail driver from burning truck in Washington: bodycam

Heroic Deputy Rescues Mail Driver from Fiery Truck in Washington: Caught on Bodycam

A deputy acted heroically, rescuing a mail truck driver from a perilous…
Victoria Beckham's friends reveal truth to KATIE HIND on Brooklyn feud

Insider Scoop: Friends of Victoria Beckham Share Insights on Brooklyn Dispute with Katie Hind

At Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding, an unexpected moment unfolded when Victoria Beckham was…
Christian Joel Young arrested for assaulting Maxwell Frost, congressman of Florida, at the Sundance Film Festival

Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost Assaulted by Christian Joel Young at Sundance Film Festival: Arrest Made

A man was taken into custody on Friday night at a Sundance…
American rock climber Alex Honnold reaches top of Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes

Alex Honnold Scales Taipei 101: Daring Rope-Free Ascent Stuns the World

In a breathtaking display of skill and daring, American rock climber Alex…