NATO Secretary General: Europe was a key platform for supporting military operations against Iran

SadaNews - The 36th NATO summit has opened in Ankara, Turkey, hosting a forum for defense industries, amid rising U.S. pressure on member states to increase their defense spending and take on a larger share of the costs for collective defense, as the alliance seeks to enhance burden-sharing among its members.

Trump: The memorandum of understanding with Iran is over, and I do not want to deal with it

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the memorandum of understanding related to ending the war with Iran "is over for him," asserting that he does not wish to engage with the Iranian leadership at this stage.

Trump added that Iran, in his words, is led by "sick people," and claimed that possessing nuclear weapons would lead them to use them. He also described Iranians in harsh terms, considering that the agreement is no longer valid.

The U.S. President stated that the United States "has wasted a lot of time" dealing with Iran, emphasizing that Washington "must do its job."

Trump added that his country will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons, accusing the Iranian leadership of being "crazy" and committing widespread killings, in a new escalation of his rhetoric towards Tehran.

In another context, Trump criticized NATO, saying that the alliance "was getting everything for free," referring to his repeated criticisms regarding the financial burden-sharing among the member states.

NATO Secretary General: Europe was a key platform for supporting military operations against Iran

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance seeks to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities, considering that this represents an interest for Israel and Europe.

He added that around 5,000 aircraft took off from Europe to support the U.S. military operation against Iran, pointing out that several European airports were closed to facilitate the execution of the operation, and that Europe served as a key platform for the launch of U.S. forces and providing logistical support for the operation.

The NATO Secretary General confirmed that the United States remains fully committed to the alliance, responding to repeated criticisms from President Trump directed at NATO.

He added, on the sidelines of the summit held in Ankara, that Washington expects European countries and Canada to raise their defense spending to match U.S. levels, deeming this demand "completely fair" and reflecting the necessity of burden-sharing within the alliance.

Belgium: No NATO intervention in Hormuz, our mission is limited to protecting navigation

Belgian Foreign Minister confirmed that NATO does not intend to intervene militarily in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the alliance's actions fall within a defensive framework and do not imply participation in war.

The minister explained in statements to Al Jazeera that the ongoing preparations include planning to deploy mine sweepers in the strait and contributing to ensuring freedom of navigation within a coalition led by France and Britain.

The minister criticized Iran's behavior, pointing to its nuclear and missile programs, and condemned its attacks on neighboring countries that were not parties to the conflict, considering them undermining peace efforts, affirming support for the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran to enhance navigation security in Hormuz.