BERLIN, Jul 2 :  German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has rejected US President Donald Trump's call for greater loyalty from NATO allies, arguing that no member state should dictate policy to the rest of the alliance.

In an interview with Der Spiegel published on Thursday, Pistorius sought to downplay recent strains between Berlin and Washington while defending NATO's consensus-based decision-making process.

His comments came in response to criticism from Trump, who last week expressed frustration with several NATO members for declining to support the US-led war against Iran.

"I'm disappointed with most of them," Trump said at the time. "I just want loyalty. We're so loyal to them. We are always fighting for them."

The US president singled out Germany, noting the large American military presence in the country.

"We have tens of thousands of troops there. And then you want a little - give us a little nudge, give us a little kiss. We don't want much. And they say, 'No, we can't do it,'" Trump said.

Responding to the remarks, Pistorius stressed that NATO was founded on consultation and consensus rather than unquestioning support.

"NATO's concept is not one of blind obedience," he told Der Spiegel, adding that the alliance operates in "a spirit free in deliberation."

He emphasised that decisions are made collectively by member states and cannot be imposed by any single country.

"Decisions are taken by free consensus of all member states and without being dictated by individual member states," he said.

When asked whether Washington had formally requested military assistance from Germany during the conflict with Iran, Pistorius said he was unaware of any such demand.

"I'm not aware of any," he said.

The minister also sought to lighten the dispute, joking that disagreements between allies should not be overstated.

"Besides, refusing a little kiss can happen in the best of relationships. And unintentionally, too. That's hardly a marital crisis," he said.

Despite rejecting Trump's criticism, Pistorius agreed with the long-standing American argument that European NATO members should increase defence spending.

However, he insisted Germany's military investment was driven by national security requirements rather than pressure from Washington.

"We are doing it because it is in our interest, not because the US wants us to," he said.

Relations between Berlin and Washington have become increasingly strained in recent months after Germany signalled it would not participate in US-led operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pistorius previously argued that involvement in the mission was not in Germany's interests, stating that "this is not our war."

Following the disagreement, the Pentagon announced plans in May to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months.

(UNI)