President Donald Trump has secured a major victory as NATO has agreed to provide full support to the United States in the Iran conflict, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Mark Rutte said Thursday that some alliance members were slow to support the United States during its military actions against Iran. He spoke in Washington after meeting President Donald Trump.
Rutte told reporters that when the US needed logistical and other support for operations in Iran, some allies delayed their response. He said they were also surprised because Trump did not inform them in advance to keep the initial strikes secret.
Allies now providing ‘massive’ support
Rutte said the situation has changed and that nearly all NATO members are now meeting US requests.
“When it came time to provide the logistical and other support the United States needed in Iran, some allies were a bit slow, to say the least,” Rutte said. “But what I see, when I look across Europe today, is allies providing a massive amount of support.”
“Nearly without exception, allies are doing everything the United States is asking,” he added.
Also Read: NATO Chief Moves to Salvage Alliance After Trump’s Exit Threat
The comments follow Trump’s public criticism of NATO. Trump has demanded concrete action, including warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote on Truth Social that pressure is needed because “none of these people, including our own, very disappointing, NATO, understood anything unless they have pressure placed upon them.”
Trump pushes for more action from NATO
Trump met Rutte on Wednesday. He has told the alliance it risks losing American support if it does not deliver material help. Some NATO countries, including the UK, Portugal and Germany, allowed the US to use their bases.
Canada, the Czech Republic and several others publicly backed the strikes on Iran. France and Spain placed restrictions on airspace and facilities.
Rutte said he and Trump had “frank and candid” talks. He noted Trump’s disappointment that too many allies were not fully with him at the start. Rutte also said Europe must increase defense spending and reduce reliance on the US.
Also Read: Trump Signals Another Incoming War as His Ceasefire with Iran Falls Apart
Why this matters
The dispute shows ongoing tensions inside NATO over burden-sharing. Trump has long criticised European members for not spending enough on defence and for slow responses to US-led operations.
The Iran conflict and the need to secure the Strait of Hormuz have brought these issues into sharp focus. US officials have discussed moving troops from countries that offered limited help.
Rutte’s visit and statements aim to repair relations and show that NATO is responding to Trump’s demands. The alliance faces pressure to act quickly on commitments for the Middle East while preparing for broader changes in how it operates.
