NATO chief says new strikes on Iran were 'absolutely necessary'

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said new strikes against Iran were "absolutely necessary," citing Iran's posture in the region and its impact on international security. In a statement, Rutte said Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy groups across the Middle East posed a serious threat to the international community. He called on NATO allies to act jointly in response to what he described as Iran's aggressive policies. Rutte added that the strikes sent a clear message in response to Iran's conduct and framed them as a legitimate act of self-defense carried out within the framework of international law. He did not specify which country carried out the operations or provide details on their scope, targets or timing. No further information on the strikes, their legal basis or the allies involved was immediately available.