NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said Donald Trump was “clearly disappointed” that key U.S. allies declined to join Washington’s military campaign against Iran, following talks in Washington.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with Trump, Rutte described the discussions as “very frank and open,” but stopped short of confirming whether the U.S. president directly raised the possibility of withdrawing from NATO.

The meeting came at a sensitive time, just a day after the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire aimed at easing tensions and ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.

In recent weeks, Trump has sharply criticised NATO, calling the alliance ineffective and expressing frustration that member states did not support U.S. efforts during the Iran conflict. His comments have fuelled renewed uncertainty about Washington’s long-term commitment to the alliance.

Rutte acknowledged Trump’s concerns, saying the U.S. leader had been candid about his views on the response of allies. However, he emphasised that the relationship remains important and complex.

Tensions have also been heightened by disagreements over military cooperation. Some NATO countries declined to provide direct support for U.S. operations or limited access to airspace and facilities, reflecting broader divisions within the alliance over how to respond to the conflict.

Despite the differences, NATO remains bound by its core principle of collective defence, under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The provision has only been invoked once, following the September 11 attacks in 2001.

Senior U.S. officials have indicated that the administration continues to review its approach to NATO. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump has discussed the alliance’s future, while lawmakers have urged caution.

Senator Mitch McConnell defended NATO’s role, noting that allied forces had previously supported the United States in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. He warned against damaging relationships with long-standing partners.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate talks with Rutte, focusing on the Iran conflict, efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and coordination within NATO.

The alliance has faced growing strain over the past year, particularly as the United States reassesses its military commitments abroad. Trump has also increased pressure on allies to take greater responsibility for regional security, including protecting key trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

As diplomatic efforts continue, differences between Washington and its allies highlight ongoing challenges within NATO at a time of heightened global tensions.

The U.S., Iran and a group of ​regional mediators are discussing the terms ‌for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, Axios ​reported on Sunday, citing four U.S., ​Israeli and regional sources with knowledge ⁠of the talks.

Reuters could not immediately verify ​the report. The White House and the U.S. ​State Department did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The mediators are discussing the terms ​of a two-phased deal, the report ​said, adding that the first phase would be a ‌potential ⁠45-day ceasefire during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated.

The second phase would be an agreement on ​ending the war, ​the ⁠report said.

The ceasefire could be extended if additional time was required ​for talks, the report said.

U.S. ​President ⁠Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday his deadline for Iran to ⁠open ​the Strait of Hormuz ​or face attacks on critical infrastructure is Tuesday evening.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the US rescued a military officer, identified as a colonel, in “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US history.”

Trump said on his Truth Social that the officer was trapped behind enemy lines in Iran’s mountainous terrain and was being pursued by hostile forces before being safely recovered in a major military operation involving dozens of aircraft.

Noting that the officer suffered injuries, Trump said he “will be just fine.”

He said the mission followed the separate rescue of another US pilot on Friday, which was not announced earlier to avoid jeopardizing the second operation.

“At my direction, the US Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him,” he said. “This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory.”

He also claimed the operations were completed without any Americans killed or wounded.

Calling the missions proof of US air superiority over Iran, Trump praised the armed forces as “the best, most professional, and lethal military in the history of the World.”

He said the rescues were a moment for all Americans to take pride in.