DID Press: Mark Rutte has said that several members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization supported the United States’ military operation against Iran, adding that some allied countries are currently participating in maritime security missions near the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Fox News, Rutte voiced support for the Iran policies of Donald Trump and claimed that a nuclear-armed Iran would have “devastating” consequences for both the region and the wider international community.
The NATO chief acknowledged that some alliance members opposed the US military action but said many others had supported the operation in various ways.
Rutte also disclosed that forces from several European NATO members have been deployed to assist in mine-clearing operations and maritime security efforts in waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing defense spending, he argued that increased military budgets among NATO countries were partly the result of pressure from Trump for allies to contribute a greater share of the alliance’s defense costs.
According to Rutte, higher defense investment, expanded military-industrial production, and increased defense manufacturing capacity across NATO member states have been among the outcomes of those policies.
Despite describing Trump’s methods as controversial, the NATO secretary-general said he believes such approaches are necessary to safeguard the security of NATO and its member countries.