NATO Chief Backs US Strikes on Iran, Calls Them 'Absolutely Necessary' after Deliberate Attack on Gulf Ships

08/07/2026

ANKARA, July 8: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday defended the latest US military strikes on Iran, describing them as "absolutely necessary" after Washington accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire.

The United States launched a new wave of strikes on military targets in Iran on Tuesday and revoked a license that had allowed Tehran to sell oil, following attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, Rutte said the US response was justified.

"When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react," he said.

His comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate, with renewed military action and growing concerns over security in the Gulf and the safety of international shipping.