The head of Nato congratulated Trump for his “extraordinary” intervention in bombing Iran in a private text message published by the US president.

Mark Rutte, known as the “Trump whisperer” for their close relationship, said Mr Trump had shown “decisive action” and was heading for another “victory” in Wednesday’s Nato summit.

The president is due to arrive in the Hague for a summit in which allies have committed to increase defence spending at his behest.

“Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action in Iran, that was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do. It makes us all safer,” the message read.

“You are flying into another big success in The Hague this evening,” Rutte continued.

“You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done. Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win.”

Nato leaders have been careful to placate Mr Trump, showering him with praise and rearranging the summit around his preferences.