NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte moved to quell U.S. President Donald Trump's complaints over alliance discord surrounding the war with Iran, saying, "Most European countries have already kept their promises." He acknowledged the passive response of some members but stressed that NATO as a whole did not stand by.
In an interview with CNN on the 8th local time, Rutte acknowledged Trump's criticism that NATO members were "put to the test and failed," saying, "Some did," but countered that "many European countries have played a role by providing bases, supplying materiel, and allowing overflight."
He was said to have held a closed-door meeting with Trump at the White House that day to explain NATO's contributions directly. Trump's frustration had spiked recently as some NATO members refused overflight for U.S. and Israeli military aircraft and rejected requests to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded.
Rutte said, "I had a frank and open conversation with President Trump," adding, "I fully understand his disappointment." He emphasized, however, that "I made it clear that the vast majority of European countries have, in fact, provided assistance."
He also highlighted that NATO members back Trump's war against Iran. Rutte said, "NATO has always maintained that it is important to weaken Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities," adding, "There is a broad consensus that Iran must never acquire such capabilities."
Asked about Trump's threat that he could "destroy Iran's civilization," Rutte effectively offered support, saying, "On the issue of eliminating Iran's ability to export chaos to the Middle East, Europe, and the world, I support the president." He added, "I know most of Europe feels the same."
Rutte also expressed skepticism about negotiations over Iran's nuclear issue. "Attempts to resolve it through negotiations are admirable, but we know the North Korea case," he said. "If negotiations drag on and they end up acquiring nuclear weapons, negotiations become impossible." He added that if Iran secured nuclear capability, it would pose an existential threat to Israel, underscoring the need for military deterrence.
Rutte voiced concern that the crisis could strengthen cooperation between Iran and China. "A cooperative framework already exists among Russia, North Korea, Belarus, China, and Iran," he said, adding, "This consolidation has been confirmed in the war in Ukraine." He continued, "The Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and North America are becoming increasingly closely connected," and, "We have entered an era in which regional conflicts affect the global security architecture as a whole."
Trump, however, shot back on Truth Social, saying, "NATO wasn't there when (the United States) needed it, and it won't be there in the future."