Rutte defends recent US strikes on Iran, calls military action “necessary”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said recent US strikes on Iran were necessary in light of Tehran’s actions.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Rutte described the American strikes as “absolutely necessary,” arguing that the Islamic Republic had violated a previously agreed ceasefire.

🔴LIVE: Watch @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte's doorstep followed by the welcome ceremony of #NATO leaders with President @RTErdogan to the #NATOsummit in Ankara  https://t.co/SURUtzy5Iu

— NATO Spokesperson (@NATOpress) July 8, 2026

The NATO chief also expressed hope that all allies would reaffirm their position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

His remarks came amid renewed hostilities between Iran and the United States, following an exchange of strikes between the two countries.

By Jeyhun Aghazada