NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on April 9 said U.S. allies were slow to assist after they were caught off guard by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel launching strikes on Iran without first notifying the alliance.
Rutte acknowledged the tension between the United States and NATO allies during an interview at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Washington. He said European allies “were a bit slow” in providing logistical support after the United States and Israel started a war with Iran on Feb. 28.
“In fairness, they were also a bit surprised,” Rutte said. “To maintain the element of surprise for the initial strikes, President Trump opted not to inform allies ahead of time, and I understand that.”…
NATO Chief Says Allies Were Slow to Assist in Iran War but Were Also Caught Off Guard
