Rutte backs Trump’s Iran strikes, cites NATO help in Epic Fury
What's new: The NATO chief said Italy and Romania provided bases and airspace support, while European allies moved assets near the Strait of Hormuz.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended President Donald Trump’s military action against Iran and pushed back on complaints that allies had not helped the United States. In a Fox News interview Tuesday, Rutte said Trump’s moves had degraded Iran’s nuclear capability and argued that NATO support during Operation Epic Fury was broader than the president suggested. He said about 500 U.S. aircraft used bases in Italy, and Bucharest reduced commercial flights so U.S. forces could use tanker facilities at the city’s airport. Rutte also said European allies had positioned assets near the Strait of Hormuz to help with tasks including demining.