Tehran has accused Nato of being complicit in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran following remarks by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte that suggested alliance members provided support to American military operations.
Speaking to Fox News, Rutte said that several Nato allies had made their military facilities available to support the United States during Operation Epic Fury, the American military operation targeting Iran. He stated that approximately 500 US aircraft departed from bases in Italy as part of the mission.
Rutte also noted that Romania had reduced commercial air traffic to allow its airports to be used for tanker operations connected to the military campaign.
The comments came after US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with some Nato members for not openly supporting the military action against Iran. Since beginning his second term, Trump has experienced strained relations with several Nato allies, many of whom have questioned the necessity and implications of further military escalation in the Middle East.
Iran strongly condemned Rutte’s remarks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei described the statements as an admission of Nato’s direct involvement in what Tehran considers an unlawful act of aggression.
In a post on X, Baqaei said the remarks amounted to a clear acknowledgment of Nato’s active participation in military action against a sovereign member of the United Nations. He further argued that such involvement represented a violation of international law and the principles outlined in the UN Charter.
Following the controversy, Italy sought to distance itself from Rutte’s comments. The Italian Defence Ministry said the statements created a misleading impression regarding Italy’s role in the operation.
According to Italian officials, the country authorised only technical and logistical support flights under existing agreements with the United States and did not participate directly in combat activities.
The exchange of accusations highlights the growing diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict and raises further questions about the role of international alliances in military operations that have significant global implications.
As the Middle East continues to navigate an increasingly volatile security landscape, the latest dispute between Tehran and Nato underscores how military decisions can rapidly evolve into broader diplomatic confrontations with consequences extending far beyond the battlefield.
