Some NATO states failed Trump's test when refused to help US in conflict with Iran - Rutte

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Thursday acknowledged that some members of the military alliance “were tested and failed” during the Iran war, echoing remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting between the two in Washington, Rutte said Trump was “clearly disappointed” and that he “fully understands” the president's frustration with some U.S. allies.

In an interview with CNN following the meeting, Rutte declined to say directly whether Trump raised the possibility of withdrawing from NATO, but described their conversation as “very open and honest, between two friends.”

Asked about Trump’s claim that NATO members “were tested and failed,” Rutte responded: “Some of them, yes. But the large majority of NATO countries did what they promised, because they know that when it comes to NATO, their role is to protect the United States, because the United States needs a safe Europe and a safe Atlantic Ocean. I totally understand his disappointment... But it’s not black and white.”