Rutte responded calmly to Trump’s recent NATO criticisms, stating, “I am aware there have been specific instances causing your frustration, but overall, your European partners have stood by you.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Washington on Wednesday, meeting with US President Donald Trump. During their encounter, he expressed support while subtly addressing Trump’s recent complaints about the alliance.
ADVERTISEMENT 
ADVERTISEMENT
Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction with NATO for not supporting the US-Israeli military action against Iran, declaring he felt «disappointed».
The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO, and several significant European members expressed doubts about the war’s justification.
He urged allies to «simply show loyalty», emphasizing: «We don’t require their funding — nothing at all. Our military strength is by far the strongest globally. However, loyalty is what I demand.»
Rutte countered gently, noting: «I acknowledge there have been rare occasions where you’ve been genuinely let down, but on the whole, European partners have supported you.»
He also highlighted that between 4,000 and 5,000 American aircraft departed from European bases before Iran and the US reached a ceasefire agreement.
Tehran accuses NATO of ‘collaboration’
Rutte’s statements immediately drew sharp criticism from Tehran, accusing NATO of «collaboration» in the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
In an interview with Fox News after meeting Trump, Rutte said: «Several countries, allies one after another, have made their military bases accessible for Epic Fury.»
«Five hundred US planes launched from bases in Italy to support Epic Fury,» he added, referring to the US operation’s codename for strikes against Iran.
Esmaeil Baqaei, deputy foreign ministry spokesperson of Iran, condemned NATO’s «active collaboration» in an “illegal war,” posting on X: «This openly confirms NATO’s active involvement in an unlawful act of aggression against a sovereign UN member.»
He accused the alliance of «violating fundamental international law norms and the essential principles outlined in the UN Charter.»
Italy quickly distanced itself from Rutte’s remarks. The Italian Ministry of Defense stated the comments «convey a completely misleading impression by misrepresenting the nature of authorized flights,» clarifying that Rome had only allowed «technical and logistical» US flights during Epic Fury under existing bilateral accords.
Trump’s recent NATO critiques come a mere two weeks before the heads of all 32 member nations are set to convene at the alliance’s summit in Ankara on July 7-8.
His second term has been marked by ongoing strains with partners, including threats to annex Greenland—which he later withdrew from in January—as the US pressures Europe to assume primary responsibility for conventional defense while the American strategic focus pivots to China.
The Pentagon has informed allies it will decrease resources allocated to NATO worldwide, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in a continent that continues to rely heavily on Washington for critical military capabilities amid persistent concerns over Russia’s strategic posture.
Additional sources • AFP, AP