The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, has expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s actions concerning Iran. He described these actions as vital for the safety of NATO allies. During an appearance on ‘Special Report’, Rutte commented on Trump’s disappointments regarding the perceived lack of support from NATO allies. He stated, ‘I think the president is doing exactly what is needed, degrading Iran’s nuclear capability.’
Rutte emphasized the danger of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, noting its role as an exporter of chaos and terrorism. He remarked, ‘This is an exporter of chaos. It is an exporter of terrorism. It would be devastating for the region. It would be devastating for the whole world.’
These comments followed Trump’s recent criticism of NATO and the strain between the alliance and the White House. At a NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025, Trump expressed frustration over the financial burdens faced by the U.S. in supporting NATO, stating, ‘The numbers that we spend are so crazy on NATO, and they weren’t there for us.’
Despite these tensions, Rutte acknowledged that NATO allies have provided significant military support to the U.S., particularly in conflicts involving Iran. During an interview with Bret Baier on ‘Special Report’, Rutte stated, ‘When it comes to NATO, I know there is disappointment. But let’s also see that these are isolated cases, because there is something more to say about this.’
He further explained the support provided during Operation Epic Fury, highlighting that 500 U.S. planes used Italian bases, and Bucharest reduced commercial air traffic to accommodate U.S. tanker facilities. Allies are also assisting the U.S. in defending the Strait of Hormuz, with substantial European forces pre-positioning assets for potential demining operations.
Rutte praised Trump for strengthening NATO and making the U.S. safer, urging allies to increase defense investment. ‘When you look at the numbers of the investments NATO countries are now making in their own defense, it is staggering,’ he added.
Trump’s actions in Iran, including what he refers to as his ‘historic peace agreement,’ were cited by Rutte as a leadership success. The NATO head maintained that Trump is doing ‘exactly what is necessary’ to secure the safety of the alliance. He emphasized, ‘All of this is leadership necessary to make sure we stay safe as an alliance to the United States, the alliance as a whole.’
Rutte is scheduled to meet with Trump on Wednesday to discuss these issues further.
Nora Moriarty serves as a Production Assistant at FOX News.
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