New US Attacks on Iran Were Absolutely Necessary, NATO Chief Says

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the recent US military strikes against Iran, calling them "absolutely necessary." The US launched a new wave of attacks on Tuesday and revoked a license that allowed Tehran to sell oil. These actions followed attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which heightened tensions in an already fragile region.

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When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react.

Speaking to reporters before a NATO summit in Ankara, Rutte asserted the importance of a strong US response. "When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react," he said.

The summit also addressed European leaders' efforts to secure US President Donald Trump's renewed commitment to the military alliance. Trump had previously revived disputes with European allies over the Iran war and Greenland.

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But there's also the expectation that the Europeans and the Canadians will equalize their spending with the United States, which I think is completely fair.

Rutte expressed confidence in the United States' dedication to NATO, stating there could be no doubt about its "complete commitment." He also noted the expectation that European and Canadian allies would increase their defense spending to match that of the United States, a move he deemed "completely fair." Rutte characterized this development as a "big win today," a loss for Russia's President Putin, and a victory for President Trump, as European and Canadian nations are indeed increasing their contributions.

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The good news is that this is the big win today. It's the loss for Putin, it is a win for President Trump that the Europeans and the Canadians are doing exactly that.