Iran Accuses NATO of Complicity in US-Israeli Military Action

Iran on Thursday accused the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of being complicit in recent US-Israeli military action against the country. The accusation came after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about allied support provided to the United States during the operation.

In a US television interview, Rutte had stated that several NATO member states facilitated American military operations by providing access to bases and logistical support. He specifically mentioned that hundreds of US aircraft operated from bases in Italy and that some allied nations had adjusted civilian aviation to accommodate military needs.

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Rutte’s remarks amounted to an admission of NATO’s involvement in an “unlawful act of aggression against a sovereign state.” In a statement on social media, Baqaei alleged that these actions violated international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Following the exchange, Italy sought to clarify its position. The Italian Defence Ministry issued a statement saying Rutte’s comments could create a “misleading impression” regarding Rome’s role. Italian officials clarified that the country had only authorised “technical and logistical flights” by US forces under existing bilateral agreements and had not provided support beyond those arrangements.

The accusations highlight ongoing diplomatic tensions following the recent escalation in hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.