2026.06.25 - 14:55

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 Iran has escalated its criticism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), arguing that remarks made by Secretary-General Mark Rutte amount to evidence of the alliance’s involvement in the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Tehran is calling for international accountability for all parties that participated in or facilitated military operations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Rutte’s recent statements constitute, in Tehran’s view, an admission of NATO’s involvement in the war targeting Iran, describing such actions as a violation of international law and the sovereignty of states.

Iranian Allegations Against NATO

Baghaei stated that Rutte’s references to logistical and military support related to air operations during the recent conflict amount to a direct acknowledgment of the participation of NATO member states in military activities.

He added that Iran believes all parties involved in or facilitating the attacks should be held accountable, calling on European countries mentioned in the NATO Secretary-General’s remarks to clarify their roles during the war and provide explanations to the international public.

Controversial Remarks

Mark Rutte had previously stated in a media interview that logistical and military efforts supported U.S. operations during the war, noting the use of bases and facilities in European countries to assist air operations.

He also referred to the role of several airports and military installations in enabling refuelling operations and coordinating aircraft movements linked to the wartime effort.

Italy Rejects Allegations

In response, Italy’s Ministry of Defence rejected the interpretation of the NATO Secretary-General’s remarks, stressing that the use of Italian military facilities was strictly limited to technical and logistical purposes and did not involve participation in combat or offensive operations.

The ministry said some of the statements circulating could create a misleading impression about Rome’s role during the conflict.

Trump Criticises NATO

In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump criticised NATO member states, saying they did not provide sufficient support to the United States during the war against Iran.

During a meeting with the NATO Secretary-General at the White House, Trump said Washington did not in fact require military assistance, but suggested that allied support fell short of what the U.S. administration had expected.

Sensitive Timing Ahead of Summit

The diplomatic exchanges come ahead of an upcoming NATO summit scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7–8.

Security issues, relations with rival powers, and the implications of the recent war in the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda, amid differing positions among member states regarding their roles in the conflict.

The exchange of statements between Tehran and Western governments underscores ongoing political tensions linked to the aftermath of the war, as international discussions continue over the legal and political responsibilities of actors involved directly or indirectly in the military operations.

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