09.04.2026 18:22
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about the statements made by President Trump, who reacted to NATO for not supporting attacks on Iran and threatened to withdraw from the alliance. Rutte stated that European allies support the U.S. in reducing Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, saying, "Yes, it's true, not all European countries have adhered to these commitments, and I completely understand his frustration. I admire Trump's leadership."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that he understands U.S. President Donald Trump's "frustration with NATO allies' support for the Iran war," but emphasized that the situation is not entirely black and white, as many allies are fulfilling their commitments.
RUTTE: TRUMP IS FRUSTRATED
Rutte spoke to CNN after his meeting with President Donald Trump during his official visit to the U.S. Regarding his impression from the meeting with Trump, Rutte said, "I must clearly state that he and many NATO allies are clearly frustrated, and I can understand his perspective." However, he also noted that the vast majority of European countries have been helpful in establishing bases, logistics, airspace controls, and fulfilling their commitments.
"I UNDERSTAND HIS FRUSTRATION"
Rutte pointed out that European allies support the U.S. in the importance of reducing Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, stating, "Yes, it's true that not all European countries have adhered to these commitments, and I completely understand his frustration."
"I ADMIRE TRUMP'S LEADERSHIP"
When asked about Trump's desire to withdraw from NATO, Rutte responded, "I will not get into this topic; I will not answer this question. I am just trying to say that I truly admire his leadership, and I know that what he did at last year's NATO summit in The Hague was very important, and NATO allies support him regarding the goals of reducing Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities."
When Rutte was asked about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement to reporters that Trump believes NATO was "tested and failed" during the Iran war, he commented, "Some yes (failed), but the vast majority of European countries kept the promises they made in similar situations before."
"IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST SAY BLACK AND WHITE"
The NATO Secretary General continued, "What the U.S. did with Iran was made possible thanks to many European countries adhering to these commitments, not all of them, of course. I completely understand his frustration on this issue, but that is why it is a nuanced picture. It is not enough to just say black or white."
When asked whether NATO allies think the U.S. attacks on Iran are illegal, Rutte said, "No, because NATO has always taken the position that it is very important to weaken nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and that Iran should never have these two capabilities. There is broad support for this view."
In response to the question, "Did it disturb you as a diplomat when President Trump threatened to destroy all of Iranian civilization?" Rutte replied, "Let me say this, when it comes to what leaders say, as I always say, I do not comment on everything. What I want you to know is that I support the President when it comes to eliminating Iran's capacity to export chaos to the region, Europe, and the entire world, and I know that a large part of Europe supports this as well."