US President Donald Trump declared that his country has no obligation to support NATO, expressing frustration that European allies refused to provide concrete support for the US in the nearly month-long conflict with Iran.

"Why would we be with them if they were not with us?" Trump asked during an investment forum in Miami, Florida.

The US did not consult its allies before striking Iran last month, and European nations have firmly refused to participate in the conflict. Trump interprets this as a fundamental turning point in bilateral relations.

American media analysts suggest the statement raises serious questions about Trump's willingness to honor Article 5 of the NATO treaty - the collective defense clause stipulating that an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Trump additionally criticized Germany for not contributing to efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz fired back accusing him of "massive escalation" of the conflict.