NATO Secretary-General signals possible alliance intervention in Middle East if US‑Iran talks fail

At the NATO summit in Ankara, the alliance’s secretary‑general said NATO could intervene in the Middle East should negotiations between the United States and Iran break down. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte added that all 30 NATO members share a consensus that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing that the alliance’s policy does not depend on Iran’s geographic location.

The statement came as President Donald Trump expressed frustration with European allies over the ongoing conflict with Iran. Following Iranian attacks on three merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States launched strikes on Iranian targets. The escalation pushed Brent crude oil prices up to roughly US$79 a barrel.

The secretary‑general stressed that NATO remains ready to play a role if deemed useful, while urging close monitoring of the situation in the coming days and weeks.