After US strike on Iran, Rutte issues stern statement
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg supported the US military operation against Iran, which struck over 80 targets in response to Iranian attacks on commercial ships.
- Stoltenberg stated the US action was "absolutely necessary" because Iran violated ceasefire terms by attacking ships, despite a declared truce.
- The US stated its strikes targeted Iranian defense systems and naval capabilities, emphasizing that those attacking commercial vessels would pay a high price.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has voiced strong support for the recent US military operation that targeted over 80 sites in Iran. The strikes were a direct response to Iran's attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
I think that was absolutely necessary, because although there is a ceasefire, Iran is essentially violating its terms. We saw what happened yesterday when ships were attacked.
Speaking at the Alliance's summit in Ankara, Stoltenberg described the US action as "absolutely necessary." He argued that Iran had violated the terms of a declared ceasefire by continuing to attack ships. "We saw what happened yesterday when ships were attacked," he stated, emphasizing the need for decisive action from the United States.
The US Central Command confirmed that its forces conducted the strikes, which they described as "powerful." These actions were aimed at Iran's air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, and naval missile capabilities. The US also stated that over 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval vessels were targeted in the strait and its approaches.
I think it is very important that the US takes decisive action.
This escalation follows Washington's decision to revoke a temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, increasing pressure on Tehran amid ongoing negotiations. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed that Iran's actions in the strait are "completely unacceptable" and that consequences would follow. The official added that US negotiators are continuing to work in good faith towards a final agreement.
The US considers Iran's actions in the strait completely unacceptable and they will have to pay for it.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.