Donald Trump has given a harsh reality check after warning the United States is on the brink of a new world war.
The 45th President, who claimed victory in both the Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses, also warned Nato allies would not provide sufficient support if America was attacked.
Trump, who reportedly discussed withdrawing the US from the military alliance after claiming America is "strongly" committed to the alliance, made the comments as tensions heighten in the Middle East.
Donald Trump on the campaign trail in Nevada
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Three US soldiers and dozens of others were injured during an attack launched by Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.
Trump told supporters over the weekend: "I hate to tell you this about NATO — if we ever needed their help, let’s say we were attacked, I don’t believe they’d be there."
He added: "We’re paying for NATO and we don’t get so much out of it."
Trump was also vocal about the attack against US troops, claiming: "This brazen attack on the United States is yet another horrific and tragic consequence of Joe Biden’s weakness and surrender."
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The "Simorgh" satellite carrier carrying three satellites is seen at an undisclosed location in Iran
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The 77-year-old, who is hoping to become just the second Commander-in-Chief to serve two non-consecutive terms in the Oval Office, also claimed: "This attack would never have happened if I was president, not even a chance – just like the Iranian-backed Hamas attack on Israel would never have happened, the war in Ukraine would never have happened, and we would right now have peace throughout the world.
"Instead, we are on the brink of World War Three."
However, an ex-Air Force General slammed the 45th President on social media.
Michael Hayden, who also previously served as chief of the CIA, said: "NATO came to our rescue after 9-11. You fool. You fool."
Despite Trump's warning about Nato, member states triggered the Article 5 mutual assistance clause following the attack on September 11, 2001.
Donald Trump in Las Vegas ahead of the Nevada caucus
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Troops joined US forces in the military action in response and subsequently deployed soldiers to Afghanistan.
Trump adopted a hardline stance against Tehran during his presidency.
He scrapped Barack Obama's Iran Nuclear Deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Trump was also in the White House when the US Air Force killed a number of Iranian and Iraqi officials, including Tehran's major-general Qasem Soleimani.
Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah addresses his supporters through a screen during a ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of the killing of senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani
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Biden's administration adopted a far less hardline position on Iran, with the 46th President agreeing a multi-billion-dollar prisoner swap deal last year.
However, Biden also vowed to respond to the latest attack in the Middle East.
“Today, America’s heart is heavy. Last night, three US service members were killed – and many wounded – during an unmanned aerial drone attack on our forces stationed in north-east Jordan near the Syria border.
He added: “While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.”
Joe Biden has vowed for a response to the Iran-backed attack
REUTERSBiden also vowed: “We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism.
“And have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing”.
Tehran's mission to the United Nations denied any Iranian involvement.
However, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq warned there will be “escalations” if the US keeps supporting Israel's war against Hamas.
Iranian satellite carrier named "Simorgh" is seen in an undisclosed location in Iran
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UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron strongly condemned the Iran-aligned attack against US troops, adding: “Our thoughts are with those US personnel who have lost their lives and all those who have sustained injuries, as well as their families.”
But Biden's Republican rivals have heaped pressure on the 46th President to respond.
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said: "Hit Iran now. Hit them hard.”
Mitch McConnell, the GOP's Senate minority leader, called on Biden to “exercise American strength to compel Iran to change its behaviour”.
Lord David Cameron threw his weight behind the US
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Florida senator Rick Scott also said Iran was “blatantly questioning US strength and resolve”.
Some Democrats also joined calls for action against Iran.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, said: "Every single malignant actor responsible must be held accountable."
US officials last month confirmed that American bases in Iraq and Syria had been attacked at least 97 times since October 17.