Rutte characterized the support as a series of bilateral agreements with Washington rather than a coordinated NATO operation. Italy has maintained that the missions it authorized were strictly for technical and logistical support and were not combat operations. The remarks were reportedly intended to demonstrate European assistance to US President Donald Trump.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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NATO Chief Reveals 5,000 US Missions to Iran Used European Bases
War25 days ago
Iran's Foreign Ministry says remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte prove European nations knowingly participated in US and Israeli military operations against Tehran despite prior denials. Rutte disclosed that 4,000 to 5,000 US flight missions launched from European bases during "Operation Epic Fury," with approximately 500 flights departing from US bases in Italy alone. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei called the disclosure a clear admission of involvement and demanded that the EU, its member states, and NATO members be held accountable for providing military and logistical support.
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