Now, Iranian Regime Blames NATO for Strikes on Iran

TEHRAN, July 9: Iran accused NATO on Thursday of sharing responsibility for the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, saying alliance members that provided territory, military bases or infrastructure for strikes against Iran were complicit in the war and its consequences.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte demonstrated that Europe was not a neutral party in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

Baghaei also accused Rutte of attempting to justify NATO's involvement by publicly praising Washington's actions.

On Wednesday, Rutte said the latest US strikes on Iran were "necessary" after Washington accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire. He said the United States had to "forcefully react" following Iran's alleged attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Rutte also said NATO allies had supported earlier US operations against Iran by providing access to European airports and military infrastructure, remarks that Tehran cited as evidence that European countries shared responsibility for the conflict.

The exchange of accusations comes as military tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel continue to escalate in and around the Strait of Hormuz.