NATO not involved in Iran operation but allies support U.S. actions, Rutte says

Rutte stressed that NATO as an organization is not directly involved in the operation.

“NATO is not involved,” he said, adding that many allies generally support U.S. actions in the region, particularly those aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Rutte also said European countries share concerns about Tehran’s activities. According to him, European governments understand the risks posed by the Iranian regime, including potential threats to the Iranian diaspora and the security of individual states.

The NATO chief also reaffirmed that the Alliance continues to guarantee the defense of its territory.

“As NATO, we are currently ensuring the comprehensive defense of every inch of NATO territory,” he said.

Commenting on the possible invocation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, Rutte said the Alliance traditionally maintains strategic ambiguity about the exact conditions under which it would be triggered. However, he added that allies would send a clear signal if necessary.

Rutte also said he is maintaining contacts with partners in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and stressed NATO’s readiness to support their security amid rising tensions in the region.

U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran

Israel and the United States announced strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 in operations dubbed “Roar of the Lion” by Israel and “Epic Fury” by the United States.

Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran and several other major Iranian cities. The Israel Defense Forces later confirmed that Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike on his residence, which was reportedly destroyed. The death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander-in-chief Mohammad Pakpour was also confirmed. According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, Ali Shamkhani, a top security adviser to the supreme leader, was also killed in the attack.

In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel. Iranian missiles and drones also struck U.S. military bases in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Israel later carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

On March 1, Trump said Iran’s leaders want to resume negotiations and that he had agreed, though he did not specify a timeline. According to White House estimates, 48 senior figures of the Iranian regime were killed during Operation Epic Fury.

Trump said the U.S. war with Iran is expected to last about four weeks. The U.S. military said four American service members were killed during the operation.

Ali Larijani, a representative of the slain ayatollah on Iran’s National Security Council, said on March 2 that Iran would not negotiate with the United States.