NATO has ruled out any involvement in the ongoing US Israel military operations against Iran, while acknowledging the actions taken by Washington and Tel Aviv to curb Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
Speaking to Germany’s ARD television, NATO Chief General Mark Rutte said the alliance supports efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions but stressed that NATO as a body will not participate. “There are absolutely no plans whatsoever for NATO to get dragged into this or to be part of it,” he said.
Rutte added that individual member states remain free to offer their own support to the United States if they choose. He described the US Israel actions as “really important” in degrading Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
The comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following joint strikes on Iran by US and Israeli forces. While the alliance remains on alert, NATO emphasised that its role is strictly diplomatic and advisory, leaving operational decisions to member nations acting independently.
The clarification from NATO comes as global powers weigh the risk of a wider regional conflict, with Russia condemning the attacks and calling them “unprovoked aggression,” while several Gulf nations voiced concern over civilian casualties.
