NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Thursday that cooperation within the alliance must be mutual, rejecting U.S. criticism over allies’ level of support in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
"It was not a one-way alliance when U.S., European and Canadian troops fought and sacrificed shoulder to shoulder in Afghanistan,” he added.
Rutte’s remarks come amid tensions after President Donald Trump and senior administration officials criticized NATO countries for declining to participate in an alliance effort to help secure the Strait of Hormuz or restrict access to bases during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Trump has threatened to withdraw from the alliance.
"Nearly without exception, allies are doing everything the United States is asking. They have heard and are responding to President Trump’s requests,” Rutte said.
While acknowledging that some allies were initially "a bit slow,” the NATO chief stressed, adding that most are now providing support, including logistics and basing, to assist U.S. operations.
