More tension within NATO than ever before — Belgian defense minister

BRUSSELS, April 4. /TASS/. NATO is celebrating the 77th anniversary of its founding amid unprecedented tensions among allies, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said. "There is more tension within the alliance today than ever before," he wrote on X. US President Donald Trump has called into question Washington’s membership in NATO after certain European allies refused to support his operation in Iran. Francken fears that even if the US does not leave the alliance, NATO’s defense capabilities could still suffer. "Trump could close US bases in Europe, withdraw US troops, and stop sharing intelligence, as well as reduce other key forms of support," the defense minister noted. In his view, the European Union is currently unable to fill the gap on its own if the United States withdraws. Francken added that he plans to visit Washington in late-April to address disagreements among the allies.