NATO secretary general backs Trump’s approach to Iran

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the actions of US President Donald Trump toward Iran, describing them as necessary for the security of the alliance’s members, and also commented on the president’s frustration over what he sees as insufficient support from NATO allies.

Rutte’s remarks came after Trump launched a fresh round of criticism against NATO amid continuing tensions between the alliance and the White House.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, the NATO chief said he “totally” understands the president’s frustration with the alliance but stressed that allies had provided military support to the United States during the conflict involving Iran.

“When it comes to NATO, I know there is disappointment,” Rutte said. “But let's also see that these are isolated cases, because there is something more to say about this. Country after country, ally after ally after ally, have made their bases available for Epic Fury.”

Rutte noted that 500 US aircraft used Italian bases during Operation Epic Fury, while authorities in Bucharest had to reduce commercial air traffic to allow US forces to deploy refuelling capabilities at the city’s airport.

He also said that allies continue to assist the United States in securing the Strait of Hormuz.

“You see now massive European allies pre-positioning their assets close to the Strait so to be able to help, for example, when it comes to demining,” Rutte said.

Stating that he is “completely behind” Trump’s strategy toward Iran, Rutte thanked the US president for making NATO “stronger,” enhancing US security, and encouraging allies to increase their defence spending.

"I think the president is doing exactly what is needed, degrading Iran's nuclear capability," the NATO chief emphasised.

By Jeyhun Aghazada