Explained in plain English

What is the Iran war?

The 'Iran war' Trump refers to isn't an actual conflict but rather his administration's aggressive posture towards Iran. He was frustrated that NATO allies didn't support his hawkish policies, which included withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and imposing sanctions. This lack of backing is what he now frames as a lack of 'loyalty'.

Stories that explain this

Pound strengthens as the UK service sector returns to growth Trump tells NATO allies he wants loyalty, not money

Questions this opens up

What was the Iran nuclear deal? Who are Iran's leaders? What are sanctions?

Related explainers

What is Article 5? What does Article 5 mean? Who benefits from transactions? What is collective defence? Which countries joined NATO recently? Who decides sanctions? Who decides to invoke it? What is economic warfare?

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