NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday gave strong warnings to Russia and Iran, calling Moscow the most immediate threat to the alliance and accusing Tehran of expanding its role in the Ukraine conflict.
The statements come as NATO leaders prepare to meet in The Hague this week amid rising tensions and growing fears of a wider global conflict.
“If Russia were to attack us today, our response would be devastating,” Rutte said, addressing concerns over escalating rhetoric and Moscow’s recent references to a potential World War 3 scenario. “The most significant and direct threat facing this alliance is Russia.”
Rutte also reinforced NATO's increasing focus on Tehran's strategic ties with Moscow. “Iran is heavily involved in Russia's fight against Ukraine."
On Iran’s nuclear programme, he added, “When it comes to NATO's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon.”
The warnings come as Israel-Iran hostilities enter their 11th day, and just hours after NATO countries agreed on a new pledge to ramp up defence spending. Spain dropped its opposition to the plan on Sunday, clearing the path for consensus ahead of the two-day NATO summit starting Tuesday.
Also Read: NATO agrees 5% spending deal, overcoming Spain block
US President Donald Trump has demanded that all allies commit to spending 5% of GDP on defence, significantly higher than the current 2% benchmark. While that proposal remains under discussion, it has added pressure on member states to increase military budgets.
Rutte confirmed that NATO members will provide over €35 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year and announced major upgrades to the alliance’s defence systems. “NATO will invest in a five-fold increase in air defences,” he said.
The statements come as NATO leaders prepare to meet in The Hague this week amid rising tensions and growing fears of a wider global conflict.
“If Russia were to attack us today, our response would be devastating,” Rutte said, addressing concerns over escalating rhetoric and Moscow’s recent references to a potential World War 3 scenario. “The most significant and direct threat facing this alliance is Russia.”
Rutte also reinforced NATO's increasing focus on Tehran's strategic ties with Moscow. “Iran is heavily involved in Russia's fight against Ukraine."
On Iran’s nuclear programme, he added, “When it comes to NATO's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon.”
The warnings come as Israel-Iran hostilities enter their 11th day, and just hours after NATO countries agreed on a new pledge to ramp up defence spending. Spain dropped its opposition to the plan on Sunday, clearing the path for consensus ahead of the two-day NATO summit starting Tuesday.
Also Read: NATO agrees 5% spending deal, overcoming Spain block
US President Donald Trump has demanded that all allies commit to spending 5% of GDP on defence, significantly higher than the current 2% benchmark. While that proposal remains under discussion, it has added pressure on member states to increase military budgets.
Rutte confirmed that NATO members will provide over €35 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year and announced major upgrades to the alliance’s defence systems. “NATO will invest in a five-fold increase in air defences,” he said.
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