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NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte insisted on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump did not ask the alliance to join the US and Israel in attacking Iran. However, he noted that many NATO allies are offering support to the US and denied there is a lack of unity among member states.
Rutte said Iran is "close to acquiring a nuclear capability and a ballistic missile capability," which poses a threat not only to the region, "including an existential threat to Israel," but also to Europe.
He said NATO allies are "better off" after the US and Israel degraded Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities and assassinated Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, adding that the attacks on Iran were "applauded" by many NATO leaders.
Meanwhile, Mark Rutte, who is on an official visit to North Macedonia, said in a joint press conference with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova that our commitment to regional stability is clear.
"We will not allow a security vacuum to be created. NATO is committed to protecting all its Allies, regardless of where the challenges come from. The Western Balkans are of strategic importance to our Alliance. I know that we can count on North Macedonia to play its role," declared NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Mark Rutte stated that North Macedonia is a loyal NATO ally and contributes to security on the Alliance's eastern flank, including through its participation in formations in Bulgaria and Latvia.
"North Macedonia spends more than 2% of its GDP on defense, which is a significant progress, and is committed to reaching 5%, as pledged. We must increase our defense contributions and fully resource NATO activities. I would like to welcome North Macedonia's support for Ukraine," Rutte said.
He stressed the need for cooperation in support of common security and noted that North Macedonia plays an important role in maintaining security in the Western Balkans.
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