Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei claimed that recent comments by NATO chief Mark Rutte demonstrate European countries were not neutral during the war against Iran. Baghaei said states that provided territory, bases, and infrastructure to the US and Israel for attacks on Iran bear responsibility for the cooperation. He also personally attacked Rutte, calling his remarks 'the mindset of a courtier seeking to please the king.'
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei on Thursday accused NATO member states of abandoning neutrality during the war against Iran, citing recent comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as evidence. Baghaei asserted that European countries that provided territory, bases, and infrastructure to the United States and Israel for strikes against Iran bear responsibility for their cooperation. He also launched a personal attack on Rutte, describing his remarks as reflecting 'the mindset of a courtier seeking to please the king with compliments.'
The statement is the latest in a series of exchanges between Tehran and the alliance following Rutte's acknowledgment that some NATO members had supported US operations during Operation Epic Fury, the US-led campaign against Iran. The Zioneer previously reported that Baghaei had accused NATO of complicity in an 'illegal war of aggression' and demanded accountability for member states. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also criticized Rutte's account, insisting Italy provided only logistical support.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between Iran and the West, with Tehran seeking to portray the campaign as a collective act of aggression involving European states. Baghaei's remarks did not include specific retaliatory measures but signaled continued diplomatic pressure.
- DevelopingIran accuses NATO of complicity in 'illegal war of aggression' after Rutte comments
- StrongIran demands NATO member states be held accountable for war participation
- DevelopingNATO chief acknowledges allied disappointment over US access during Iran war
- StrongMeloni escalates attack on NATO chief Rutte over 'confused, misleading' Italy account
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