Mark Rutte: Europe supports strikes on Iran, but will not participate in them
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Europe considers Iran a threat to the region and supports the actions of the US and Israel, but does not plan to participate in the military operation they have launched. According to him, this is a campaign conducted exclusively by American and Israeli forces, and NATO troops will not be involved, reports BBC.
Mark Rutte. Photo: AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert
The head of the alliance noted that Iranian strikes affect not only the Persian Gulf countries. Reportedly, Iranian drones even reached a British airbase in Cyprus, where they were shot down. Following this, several states in the region adopted additional security measures, including strengthening their military presence.
At the same time, European countries are trying not to get directly involved in the conflict. The US had appealed to allies for access to military bases and logistical infrastructure. The NATO Secretary General explained that this primarily concerns transport provision, access to airfields, and auxiliary operations, rather than participation in combat strikes.
Some countries refused to allow their territory to be used for the operation. For example, Spain justified this by the absence of an international mandate.
Initially, Great Britain was also slow to grant permission, which caused dissatisfaction from the US leadership. The American side openly criticized its allies for hesitation and unwillingness to actively support the operation.
British authorities eventually stated that they would be guided by national interests and would not participate in offensive actions, citing the experience of past conflicts. However, they allow for support in defensive purposes. According to media reports, separate military facilities could be used for this.
Germany, in turn, limited its role to protecting its own military personnel stationed at international bases in the region. Officials emphasize that their task is to ensure the security of their citizens and contingents.
The NATO Secretary General did not answer the question of whether he had been informed in advance about the start of the strikes, but noted that close cooperation and constant contacts are maintained between Washington and the alliance.