NATO Chief Says Recent U.S. Strikes on Iran Were "Absolutely Necessary"

ARK News.. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the recent U.S. strikes on Iran as "absolutely necessary" amid growing concerns over the collapse of the fragile ceasefire and renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, ahead of the NATO Leaders' Summit in Ankara, Rutte said: "When there is a ceasefire and Iran seriously violates it, I believe it is absolutely necessary for the United States to respond decisively."

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also stressed the need to demonstrate that violations of the fragile Middle East ceasefire by Tehran are unacceptable, while emphasizing the importance of sustaining negotiations and pursuing a diplomatic solution.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes on Iran were carried out in response to attacks targeting three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement issued early Wednesday, CENTCOM said the airstrikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten maritime navigation, adding that 14 large explosions were recorded in Iran's coastal regions.

The NATO summit is taking place in Ankara against the backdrop of major regional and international challenges, particularly the Russia–Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. European leaders are seeking to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm Washington's commitment to the alliance.

Trump had previously signaled that the United States was prepared to withdraw from NATO after European allies declined to participate directly in the conflict with Iran.

Upon arriving in Ankara on Tuesday, Trump said he "might have skipped the summit were it not for his friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the summit's host," and did not rule out withdrawing additional U.S. troops from Europe.

The summit, hosted by Turkey for the second time after the 2004 Istanbul summit, brings together leaders of all 32 NATO member states.

132