US Demands NATO Allies Step Up Amid Iran Conflict, Official Says

White House: Allies Must Share Burden in Global Security

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, a top White House official is calling on NATO allies to increase their contributions to global security, stating that the United States has long shouldered an unfair share of the burden. The remarks come as the administration defends its actions in Operation Epic Fury, a military operation aimed at dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile program and preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Operation Epic Fury Objectives Met, Official Claims

White House Press Secretary Leavitt addressed reporters, highlighting the success of Operation Epic Fury. “We’ve achieved dominance over the skies of Iran,” Leavitt stated. “We have annihilated their navy, with more than 120 naval vessels now at the bottom of the sea.” These actions, according to the press secretary, are a significant achievement for the American people and regional allies.

Leavitt emphasized the administration’s long-standing goal of preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. “This president has long said for decades that Iran cannot permanently possess a nuclear weapon,” she said. While acknowledging that retrieving Iran’s nuclear fuel is an option, Leavitt declined to comment on specific future actions, stating that all options remain on the table to ensure Iran cannot threaten the United States.

Fairness and Burden-Sharing with NATO

The press secretary also addressed the perceived imbalance in security contributions among NATO allies. “NATO allies benefit far more from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz than the United States does,” Leavitt explained. She pointed out that due to the current president’s energy policies, the U.S. is now a net exporter of oil, possessing sufficient domestic resources. While the reopening of the strait is beneficial for global oil prices, it significantly aids Europe and other NATO partners.

Leavitt stressed that President’s guiding principle is fairness. He has consistently called out NATO for what he views as an unfair alliance for American taxpayers and the military. The U.S. spends billions of dollars housing troops in allied countries, which serves as a deterrent to adversaries. Furthermore, the administration has worked to rectify what it considers unfair trade deals with many NATO allies, securing new agreements with the UK and the EU. The president expects allies to “step up and do more” to ensure alliances are fair for the American people.

Joe Kent Resignation and White House Response

The press secretary also addressed the resignation of Joe Kent, who had been nominated to lead the counterterrorism center. Leavitt expressed disappointment with Kent’s resignation letter, which she described as filled with falsehoods and accusations against the president. She stated that the president believed Kent was a good individual with a commendable military record, but he ultimately proved not to be up for the job.

Leavitt refuted Kent’s claims that the president was controlled by a foreign country, calling such accusations “insulting and laughable.” She reiterated that the president makes decisions based on the best interests of the country. The administration also pushed back against the idea that Kent was weak on security, noting that he was not involved in presidential intelligence briefings and had not been seen at the White House recently. The White House maintains that Kent’s assertion that Iran did not pose a threat was unequivocally false, citing intelligence about Iran’s rapid development of ballistic missiles and its nuclear ambitions.

China Trip Postponement

Regarding international relations, Leavitt confirmed that a planned trip to China has been postponed. “We’re working with them,” she said, indicating that the Chinese side understands the president’s rationale for the delay. The postponement is due to domestic commitments for the president in May. Dates for the rescheduled trip are being worked out, and updates will be provided.

Looking Ahead: Continued Diplomatic Pressure and Military Readiness

The White House continues to engage with allies in Europe and the Gulf region to secure cooperation in reopening crucial shipping lanes. Despite perceived rebuffs, the administration insists there is a plan in place, leveraging the significant capabilities of the U.S. military. The focus remains on ensuring global stability, preventing nuclear proliferation, and demanding equitable contributions from international partners in security matters. The coming weeks will likely see continued diplomatic efforts and further updates on the military situation in the Middle East.

Source: White House Press Secretary Leavitt speaks to reporters amid Iran conflict (YouTube)