NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stern warning against Iran developing nuclear weapons, describing it as a significant threat to both regional and global security amid heightening tensions between Iran and Israel.
Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague, Rutte expressed that his "greatest fear" is Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb, which he warned would give Tehran a "stranglehold" on Israel and pose a serious threat to international peace.
"When it comes to NATO's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon," Rutte stated, emphasizing the alliance's unified position on the matter.
Escalating Middle East Tensions
The NATO chief dismissed concerns that the intensifying conflict in the Middle East would overshadow the alliance's priorities during the summit, which begins Tuesday with all 32 member states in attendance.
Rutte also condemned Iran's involvement in the Ukraine war, specifically criticizing Tehran's supply of drones to Russia. "Iranian drones are killing innocent Ukrainians every day in cities, in communities, without any respect for life," he remarked.
His comments follow recent claims by US President Donald Trump that American forces had used "bunker buster" bombs to destroy parts of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. While Trump declared the mission successful, officials have indicated that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Iranian Response and Casualties
Iran has responded with sharp warnings, accusing the US of escalating the crisis and threatening "serious, unpredictable consequences." Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli offensive launched earlier this month, calling it "a big mistake."
According to Iran's health ministry, over 400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since June 13. Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel have reportedly resulted in at least 24 fatalities.
When questioned about the legality of the US strikes, Rutte defended Washington's actions, stating, "I would not agree that this is against international law."
The situation continues to develop as world leaders gather for the NATO summit, with the Iran nuclear issue likely to feature prominently in discussions despite Rutte's assurances that it would not overshadow the alliance's agenda.
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