NATO is not involved in the latest escalation in the Middle East, Secretary General Mark Rutte said Tuesday, while warning that Iran’s expanding nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities threaten both the region and Europe.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova in Skopje, Rutte stressed that the alliance remains alert as tensions intensify.
“NATO is not itself involved,” Rutte said in response to questions about recent developments. However, he described Iran as “an exporter of chaos,” accusing it of supporting terrorist attacks and assassination attempts over decades.
Tensions have surged since the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian authorities reported nearly 800 deaths, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran fired drones and missiles at Israeli targets and Gulf states hosting US assets.
Call for higher defence spending and sustained Kosovo mission
Amid the instability, Rutte urged member states to boost defence spending and increase military production. He said allies must meet capability targets and fully fund NATO’s operational plans.
“This is no time to be complacent; all allies have to do more,” he said. He argued that higher defence investment would strengthen security while also driving economic growth and job creation.
Rutte also reaffirmed the importance of NATO’s Kosovo Force mission, stating that the alliance will keep the operation robust and fit for purpose to ensure lasting stability for all communities.
Siljanovska-Davkova, meanwhile, said integrating Western Balkan countries into the European Union represents the strongest long-term investment in regional and European security.
