NATO chief says US remains fully committed to alliance

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed that the United States remains firmly committed to the alliance, amid broader discussions surrounding the recent US–Iran agreement.

Rutte emphasised that Washington’s stance on NATO and its nuclear deterrence guarantees remains solid, rejecting suggestions that the United States is stepping back from its role in the alliance, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“The U.S. has made clear that it is committed to NATO. They have made clear the nuclear deterrent is solid,” he said.

He added that concerns about a potential US withdrawal from allied commitments are unfounded, arguing instead that NATO’s evolving force structure reflects a more balanced distribution of responsibilities among members.

“In some cases, this has been cast as a problem, as the U.S. pulling away from its allies. But that is not the case. The United States has adjusted its pledges to the NATO force model. Historically, this was overly reliant on the United States. Now, the US has adjusted its pledged contributions, and other allies have stepped up to contribute more. And this is fair. This makes us stronger. And this is what NATO 3.0 is all about," he said. 

Rutte also welcomed the US–Iran agreement, saying it helps reduce nuclear proliferation risks and limits Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. He praised what he described as efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and improve regional security.

“I really want to welcome the deal made by President Trump with Iran. The U.S. action to prevent the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, and degrade its ballistic missile capability, improves security for us all. And the deal — President Trump's has created an opportunity to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” Rutte said.

By Sabina Mammadli