Washington, March 23: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed support for U.S. actions against Iran, warning that the country is “very close” to developing missile capabilities that could pose a threat to Europe. His comments come as NATO assesses reports of long-range strikes from a U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking on “Face the Nation,” Rutte stated that NATO has not yet confirmed claims that Iran has launched missiles from Diego Garcia, but if true, it would have serious implications.
“We cannot confirm this at the moment, so we are investigating. However, if it proves to be true, it would further demonstrate the significance of what President Trump is doing,” he said.
Rutte emphasized that Iran is nearing the capability to strike major European cities. “We definitely know they are very close to that capability,” he noted, referring to the potential range of Iranian missiles.
He warned that if Iran possesses both nuclear and missile capabilities, it would become a severe global threat. “If Iran has nuclear capability combined with missile capability, it would pose a direct and existential threat to Israel, the region, Europe, and global stability,” he stated.
The NATO chief supported U.S. efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, cautioning that delays could be costly. Citing North Korea as an example, he said, “If we keep talking for too long, the window to stop it may close.”
His remarks came after Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not contributing sufficiently to U.S. operations, particularly in securing maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rutte acknowledged this frustration but noted that coordination among allied nations has begun. He mentioned that 22 countries, including NATO members and partners like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf states, are participating in initiatives to ensure safe passage in the strait.
He said, “We are working on three questions—what we need, when we need it, and where we need it—to ensure freedom of movement in the strait.”
Rutte also indicated that the timeline for military deployment is still under discussion, with planners actively working on it. “One of the most important questions is—when?” he remarked.
When asked if U.S. pressure could affect NATO unity, Rutte asserted that the alliance has always remained united in times of crisis. He also highlighted cooperation on the Ukraine issue and decisions to increase defense spending.
Regarding Ukraine, he defended U.S. diplomacy, stating that the U.S. is trying to balance various interests while working towards a resolution to the war. “They have to balance all these different interests. Their efforts to successfully end the Ukraine war are extremely important,” Rutte concluded.
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