Could NATO get drawn into conflict with Iran?
Share this @internewscast.com


() 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 this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New Study Reveals Adjusted Projections for Global Income Impact from Climate Change

On Wednesday, researchers announced that errors in data had led to an…

Heartbroken Orange County Family Seeks Justice After Tragic Home Stabbing

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A tragic incident in Pine Hills has left…

Colombian Family Seeks Justice After Man’s Death in U.S. Caribbean Strike: Human Rights Case Launched

BOGOTA – In a groundbreaking legal move, the relatives of a Colombian…

Johnson City Welcomes New Assistant City Manager: Boosting Leadership for Future Growth

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the administrative leadership of Johnson…

Urgent Update: Grand Canyon South Rim Lodges Halt Overnight Stays Due to Water Line Breaks

Dreaming of a winter getaway at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim? Unfortunately,…

Homegrown Hero: Evan Carter Hosts Unmissable Baseball Camp in Elizabethton

In the heart of Elizabethton, Tennessee, local hero Evan Carter was once…

Marion County Rape Suspect Faces Multiple Charges; Authorities Seek Additional Victims

In a disturbing series of events unfolding in Marion County, Florida, a…

Help BTPD Solve Double Homicide: Public Assistance Needed for Crucial Case Information

The Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD) remains deep in the investigation of…

Trader Joe’s Expands Presence in Florida with New Store Launch in Melbourne

In a scene of bustling excitement, the city of Melbourne, Florida, welcomed…

Shocking Turn of Events: Attorney Faces DUI Charge Right After Release from Greene County Jail

An attorney from East Tennessee found herself in legal trouble over the…

New Zealand Man Allegedly Swallows Faberge Pendant in Bond-Inspired Heist: Police Await Evidence

WELLINGTON – Authorities in New Zealand are adopting a wait-and-see approach after…

Trump Proposes Rollback of Vehicle Mileage Standards to Ease Air Pollution Regulations

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is poised to unveil a new initiative…