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NATO, Rutte: ‘Iran must not have nuclear weapons, US attack was right’

On the eve of the summit in The Hague, the Secretary General of the Alliance defends US action and warns: ‘Tehran represents a global threat’

Rutte: ‘Iran must never have nuclear weapons. The US attack does not violate international law’
Amidst international tensions, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte firmly reiterated that Iran cannot and must not obtain nuclear weapons. He made the statement today at a press conference in The Hague, ahead of the 2025 NATO summit, which will open on Tuesday 24 June in the Netherlands.

According to Rutte, the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites was “necessary” and did not violate international law. “The biggest fear,” he explained, “is that Tehran will get its hands on a nuclear weapon, because it would exert a stranglehold on Israel, the region and other countries around the world”.

‘Tehran involved in the war in Ukraine’
The Alliance secretary also highlighted Iran’s active role in the Ukrainian conflict, alongside Russia. ‘Tehran is heavily involved,’ he said, ‘supplying military drones to Moscow, an issue that will certainly be addressed during the summit.’

Rutte’s words confirm the Atlantic Alliance’s hard line towards Iran at a time when the Middle East is experiencing growing instability and the international balance is being severely tested by the continuing war in Ukraine.

NATO 2025 summit kicks off: tense atmosphere and heightened security
The NATO summit, to be held on 24 and 25 June in The Hague, opens in a climate of high alert, marked by growing differences between allies and the uncertainty of a possible second term for Donald Trump.

Among the central themes will be European security, the Middle East crisis and nuclear strategy. Also at the centre of discussions will be the new commitment to increase military spending: all member countries have said they are ready to bring their defence budgets to 5% of GDP.

Spain exempted from the 5% target
The agreement on military spending was in danger of falling through due to initial opposition from Spain, which then withdrew its reservations. However, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez obtained an exemption for Madrid, which will be exempt from the new target, as confirmed by diplomats involved in the negotiations.

The summit therefore promises to be a crucial strategic juncture for the future of the Atlantic Alliance, which is grappling with military, energy and diplomatic challenges of global significance.

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