03.03.2026 00:14
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO has no plans to participate in attacks on Iran and that these operations are being carried out by the United States and Israel. Rutte also claimed that Iran poses a threat in the region.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO has no plans to participate in attacks on Iran, saying, "This is clearly an operation conducted by the Americans and Israelis."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made statements regarding NATO's approach to Iran and developments in the region in an interview with a British television channel.
"IRAN'S NUCLEAR CAPACITY IS A THREAT TO EUROPE AND ISRAEL"
In response to a question about whether the disconnect between the U.S. and Europe's stance on attacks on Iran complicates NATO's position, Rutte said, "In fact, I can say that Europe is really taking on more responsibility. When you look at the statements made by Prime Minister Merz yesterday, you can see that he is definitely supporting what the Americans are doing, as he is going to Washington for meetings at the White House tomorrow. Iran's nuclear and ballistic capacity is a threat to Europe, to Israel, and to the region."
Rutte, who argued that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's positive response to the U.S. request for base usage also reflects Europe's approach to the issue, said, "It is clear that Europe is really taking responsibility, and this is very important."
"WE KNOW IRAN IS A THREAT"
Rutte stated that he spoke with many European officials yesterday and witnessed that many of them were pleased with the operation, saying, "Because today we know that Iran is a threat. It is aggressive not only domestically but also when it comes to Europe, Israel, and the entire region. This is a terrorist regime. Therefore, it is clearly a threat to London, Hamburg, and my hometown of The Hague."
Emphasizing that Iran also poses a threat to Ukraine, as it is one of the key players enabling Russia's war efforts, Rutte said, "Therefore, I see widespread support for what the U.S. is doing across Europe."
"NATO IS NOT PLANNING TO PARTICIPATE IN ATTACKS ON IRAN"
When asked about the possibility of NATO forces participating in an attack as Europe's position on Iran changes, Rutte said, "No. This is clearly an operation conducted by the Americans and Israelis."
Rutte stated, "However, NATO allies are currently enabling this operation conducted by the U.S. in conjunction with Israel."
In response to a question about the possibility of Arab countries in the Gulf participating in attacks on Iran, Rutte said, "We will see what happens in the coming hours and days. This essentially means that Iran is attacking its neighbors without any military justification. Because they are attacking hotels and innocent civilians across the region. This is complete madness."
"WE ARE IN COMMUNICATION WITH SOUTH CYPRUS"
In response to a question about what steps NATO has taken to strengthen the defense of the Akrotiri airbase in South Cyprus following an attack, Rutte emphasized that the Greek Cypriot Administration of South Cyprus is not part of NATO. Rutte said, "Our senior commanders are regularly in communication with them, and I also communicate with them regularly."
In response to a question about how what is happening in Iran will affect the war in Ukraine, Rutte said, "First of all, we must not forget the fact that key military support to Ukraine is provided by the U.S., at the expense of European and Canadian allies."
COVERT SUPPORT FOR ATTACKS
Rutte stated, "At the same time, we must not forget that Iran is one of the main actors providing military support to Russia to continue the war against Ukraine through Shahed drones. This will undoubtedly have a very significant impact on Ukraine's capacity to sustain this war."
In his statement referring to President Trump as the "leader of the free world," Rutte said, "The serious weakening of Iran's capacity to create chaos in the region, in Europe, and around the world makes us all safer."