NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Alliance has long recognised the threat posed by Iran’s missile programme to allied countries, emphasising that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
Speaking during a press conference in Brussels to present NATO’s Annual Report for 2025, Rutte said actions by the United States aim to reduce Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
NATO position on Iran’s missile programme
“Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. NATO has long recognised the threat that Iran’s missile programme poses to allies. What the United States is doing today is reducing its nuclear and missile capabilities,” Rutte said.
He referred to the range of Iranian missiles and mentioned an attack on the British-American base at Diego Garcia, adding that the development of these capabilities presents growing risks for allied countries.
“The logical conclusion is that Iran now has increasingly dangerous capabilities for allies. The positive thing is that NATO stands firmly alongside its allies,” he said.
Iran described as a source of regional instability
Speaking from NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte said the Alliance has always maintained a “clear position towards Iran”, stressing that the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities represent a threat not only to the region but also to Europe.
“Iran has been a source of chaos for the region and the world for many years,” he said, adding that US actions aim to weaken these capabilities.
Differences among NATO members
Responding to questions about differing views among NATO member states, Rutte acknowledged that the Alliance does not always reach unanimous positions.
“There is no unanimity in the Alliance. There will always be different views. That is inevitable. It is an alliance of democracies. However, regarding the non-acceptance of nuclear and missile capabilities for Iran, we all agree,” he said.
Cooperation between Iran, Russia, China and North Korea
Rutte also referred to cooperation between Iran and Russia, saying such collaboration has been observed for several years.
“We know that Iran, Russia, North Korea and China cooperate closely. We know that Iran is one of the suppliers of key equipment that Russia needs to continue and strengthen its actions in the unjustified war it has launched against Ukraine,” he said.
Maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz
Rutte was also asked about reported dissatisfaction expressed by the US President over the delayed response of European countries regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz.
“There is some disappointment towards the Europeans, who needed time to respond to his request regarding the issue of ensuring free access to maritime routes,” he said.
He added that the United States sought to avoid information leaks before informing partners. According to Rutte, more than 30 countries have now committed to meeting to discuss the issue and ensure that maritime routes remain open.
Missile interception and NATO defence
Rutte also referred to the interception of ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards Turkey.
“We will do everything to defend every inch of NATO territory and the interception of these three missiles is clear proof of that,” he said.
Defence spending and US role in NATO
Asked about criticism directed at NATO by US President Donald Trump, Rutte highlighted Trump’s role in increasing defence spending among allied countries.
“I do not believe that without the current US administration, the whole of NATO would have reached the 2% target by the end of 2025,” he said.
Rutte also stressed the importance of renewed dialogue between the United States and Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
“It is also very important that the new American president has reopened dialogue with Russia in order to end the war in Ukraine, because ultimately only the United States can take this initiative,” he added.
Source: ANA-MPA