NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commends US-Israel strikes on Iran, rules out Alliance involvement
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended the recent joint military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on Monday. He stated that these operations effectively degrade Tehran’s ability to acquire nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
Speaking to the German broadcaster ARD in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that the strategic objective is to neutralize threats before they mature. He noted that the actions are vital for regional stability by diminishing Iran's long-range strike potential.
However, the Secretary General provided firm assurances that NATO, as an international organization, will not intervene. He clarified that there are "absolutely no plans" for the Alliance to become a formal party to the conflict.
The distinction remains that while NATO stays neutral, individual member states are exercising their sovereign right to support US and Israeli efforts. This follows the late February 2026 launch of coordinated strikes known as "Operation Epic Fury" and "Operation Lion’s Roar."
These high-intensity operations targeted Iranian military bases, air defense systems, and strategic assets. The primary goal remains the systematic neutralization of military infrastructure deemed a global strategic threat.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
