BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has stated that the recent United States airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities did not violate international law, describing the operation as a lawful measure in response to rising regional threats.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Rutte emphasized that Washington exercised its legitimate right to defend its interests, especially in light of heightened tensions following missile exchanges between Iran and Israel.
“The United States acted within the boundaries of international law in launching targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure,” Rutte said. “NATO remains committed to monitoring developments in the region and supports all diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilisation.”
The remarks came amid global scrutiny of the U.S. military’s actions, which included precision strikes on suspected nuclear development sites in Iran. The strikes were launched following a series of escalations, including Iran’s missile attacks on Israeli territory and growing fears of nuclear proliferation.
While the U.S. has not formally disclosed the full extent of the damage inflicted on Iranian facilities, military analysts have described the strikes as “calibrated” to disrupt nuclear capabilities without sparking a broader conflict.
Iranian officials have condemned the airstrikes, calling them a breach of sovereignty and warning of potential retaliation. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes and has denied any active weapons development.
Meanwhile, global reactions have been mixed. Some European Union members have expressed concern about the potential for escalation, urging all parties to exercise restraint and re-engage in diplomacy under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Despite the tensions, NATO’s position appears to align with Washington’s justification for the operation, signaling unity among Western allies amid fears of a wider regional war.