Ankara: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday defended US President Donald Trump's overnight strikes on Iran, calling them "absolutely necessary" during a joint appearance at the NATO summit in Ankara. Speaking alongside Trump, Rutte emphasized the strategic importance of the US operation, which aimed to degrade Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, describing it as "a very strong response."

According to Anadolu Agency, Rutte expressed that the strikes were crucial for the stability of "Israel, the region, Europe," and the broader international community. Trump, addressing reporters, declared that the Iran ceasefire was "over" following the overnight attacks. He highlighted the intensity of the US military response, stating, "We hit them very hard last night," and reinforced that the aim of the strikes is the "denuclearization of Iran."

The US strikes on southern Iran triggered Iranian retaliatory attacks, with Tehran claiming to have targeted US military facilities in the Gulf. In the context of these developments, Rutte also commended Trump for advocating increased defense spending among NATO allies. He noted that Trump's efforts had resulted in a significant victory for the alliance, with European members and Canada committing to invest hundreds of billions of dollars more in defense.

"When it comes to NATO, what you've achieved ... is a huge win," Rutte stated, acknowledging existing differences among allies over defense spending but highlighting the progress made. He cited Spain's increased military spending to meet NATO's current 2% benchmark as evidence of this advancement.

However, Trump criticized certain allies for insufficient support in the US war against Iran. He announced that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever trade relations with Spain, labeling it "a terrible partner" within the 32-member defense alliance. The NATO summit in Ankara continues with discussions focused on defense spending, strengthening the alliance's deterrence and defense posture, and sustaining support for Ukraine.