Trump creates 'naughty or nice' list for allies over their role in Iran war

The Trump administration has reportedly created a “naughty and nice” list for Nato allies based on their contributions to the alliance. It is also seen as an attempt to reward or punish allies depending on whether they backed the US’s war on Iran.

The list was prepared ahead of Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington earlier this month, Politico reported.

A European diplomat told the outlet that the list appears to be an extension of an idea floated by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in December last year. At a defence forum, he said “model allies” would receive “special favour” from the US, while those failing in collective defence could face consequences.

This list could lead to adverse actions by the US against alliance members, such as relocating US troops or blocking sales of American defence technology. However, observers told Politico that such actions might harm the US more than the countries it intends to penalise.

“They don’t seem to have very concrete ideas when it comes to punishing bad allies. Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the US, doesn’t it?” a European official told Politico.

Although the White House has not confirmed the list’s existence, countries such as Poland and Romania could receive positive evaluations. Poland is noted for its significant defence contributions among Nato members, while Romania has allowed US forces to use its airbases for operations related to the Iran war.

Most other Nato nations have refused to join the Gulf conflict, a stance that has angered Trump. In a recent speech, Trump stated that Nato belatedly offered to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“I told them I would have liked your help two months ago, but now I really don’t want your help anymore, because you were absolutely useless when we needed you,” Trump said during an event in Arizona. “But actually, we never needed them. They needed us,” he added.

Trump further said that the situation highlighted the need for the US to rely on itself rather than on external countries and sources. His frustrations with Nato have been evident throughout the conflict.

After a meeting with Rutte, Trump expressed on social media, 'NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN.'

Tensions between the White House and Nato were already high before the onset of the Iran conflict in February. Trump has previously clashed with Nato over his interest in acquiring Greenland and has repeatedly slammed European allies for insufficient defence spending.

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