NATO Secretary-General Praises U.S.-Iran Deal

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended President Donald Trump’s agreement with Iran, highlighting its significance in preventing the country from becoming a nuclear power. He mentioned that NATO is prepared to support security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz if needed.

Speaking Wednesday ahead of the upcoming defense ministers’ meeting, Rutte described the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a notable advancement. He expressed his support for the U.S.-Iran deal, which aims to reduce conflict in the Middle East and promote the denuclearization of Iran. His comments were made at NATO headquarters.

I fully embrace the agreement made by President Trump with Iran. The efforts to mitigate the risks of a nuclear-capable Iran and to curb its ballistic missile development enhance our collective security. The deal creates a crucial chance to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. Restoring free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would be a significant leap forward, and I know many allies, including France and the UK, are prepared to contribute to this initiative.

While Britain and France are leading discussions on an international mission to patrol the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Rutte emphasized that this area remains outside NATO’s formal responsibilities. However, he indicated that NATO could offer assistance if it would contribute to stability in the region.

As NATO moves toward what is being termed “NATO 3.0,” Rutte—who has a strong rapport with President Trump—underscored the urgency for Iran to fulfill its commitment to ensure safe passage for oil shipments that traverse these crucial waters.

It’s technically outside NATO jurisdiction, but it’s clear that Britain and France are coordinating these efforts. In the past couple of months, we’ve seen significant preparations by our allies in Europe and nearby nations, specifically concerning demining and radar technologies. Whether NATO gets involved depends on how it aids the situation; if they can manage alone, that’s fine too, but we’re always ready to assist if we’re needed.

Additionally, Prime Minister Rutte commented on the broader security landscape in Europe, particularly in light of active conflict zones like Ukraine. He referred to the scenario as a “dynamic security environment” and acknowledged the strides European NATO members have made in boosting defense budgets. Nonetheless, he cautioned that these members are expected to arrive at an upcoming major NATO conference with “clear, concrete, and credible plans” for further improvement as urged by President Trump.