NATO not involved in Middle East escalation, Iran poses threat beyond region: Alliance chief

BRUSSELS

NATO is not involved in the latest escalation in the Middle East, but Iran's growing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities pose a threat not only to the region but also to Europe, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova in Skopje, Rutte stressed that the alliance remains vigilant amid rising tensions.

"NATO is not itself involved," Rutte said, responding to a question on recent developments in the Middle East.

"But let's be absolutely clear ... Iran is close to getting his hands on a nuclear capability and on a ballistic missile capability, which is posing a threat, not only to the region the Middle East, including posing an existential threat to Israel, it is also posing a use threat to us here in Europe," he added.

Rutte claimed Iran is "an exporter of chaos," accusing it of being responsible for "terrorist attacks and assassination attempts" over decades.

Tension has escalated across the region since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday, killing nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries that are home to US assets.

Rutte underlined the need for allies to increase defense spending and boost production to meet capability targets and fully resource NATO's plans, activities and missions.

"This is no time to be complacent; all allies have to do more," he said, noting that increased investment in defense would result in greater security, economic growth and jobs.

Rutte added that NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) continues to play a key role in ensuring lasting security for all communities in Kosovo and that the alliance will ensure the mission remains "robust and fit for purpose."

Siljanovska-Davkova said the membership of the Western Balkans in the European Union is the greatest investment for the security of Europe and the region.