Iran Condemns NATO’s Alleged War Complicity Over U.S. Military Support

TEHRAN: Iran denounced NATO on Thursday for its perceived involvement in what it calls an “unlawful war” against the country, following remarks by the alliance’s secretary-general acknowledging U.S. military support.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned NATO’s admission during an interview with Fox News, where Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that “hundreds of American planes launched from bases in Italy” backed U.S. operations. Though Stoltenberg referred to operations under the temporary NATO mission codename “Epic Fury,” Baqaei asserted this constituted “active complicity” in a conflict he described as a “flagrant violation of international law.”

“This is a clear admission of NATO’s active involvement in an unlawful war of aggression against a sovereign UN member state,” Baqaei wrote on X, tagging NATO’s official account. He emphasized the remarks breached the UN Charter’s principles, adding, “Such violations undermine global security and stability.”

The backlash emerged as U.S. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for insufficient support during his recent conflict against Iran. Trump claimed he was “let down” by nations abstaining from endorsing the war. Stoltenberg defended the alliance’s role, specifying Italy’s logistical contributions, but Italy’s defense ministry later clarified that flights allowed under existing agreements were strictly “technical and logistical,” rejecting any implication of broader endorsement.

Rutte noted Romania had diverted commercial flights to support military infrastructure, highlighting strained resource allocation during the conflict. Despite tensions, NATO maintains its actions align with international frameworks. Iran’s response underscores escalating diplomatic friction amid the ongoing war and divergent narratives between state actors.

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