Mark Rutte: NATO countries are going to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz
Now it has become clear that Iran can cover European capitals with fire: Berlin, Paris, London, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte admitted in the "Face the Nation" program. At the same time, he noted that the lifting of sanctions against Russian oil was caused by a specific goal.
Below is a transcript of an interview with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, which was shown on March 22, 2026 on the program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
Margaret Brennan: And now we're going to have a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who is in The Hague and joined us this morning. Welcome to the program "Face the Nation".
Mark Rutte: Margaret, it's a pleasure to be back on your program. Good morning.
"Good morning." We saw Iran launch two missiles at Diego Garcia Island. It is an island in the Indian Ocean, where a joint military base of the United States and Britain is located. It is located at a distance of 4,000 kilometers from Iranian territory, and this is the longest distance that Tehran's missiles have flown. You have just heard the Permanent Representative [of the United States to the United Nations, Michael] Waltz, who said that now Israel and the United States will evaluate Iran's combat capabilities differently in terms of its weapons of destruction. And Israel claims that such intercontinental ballistic missiles can hit Berlin, Paris and Rome. Does NATO agree with such Israeli assessments?
— At the moment, we cannot confirm this, and therefore we are analyzing the issue. But if it turns out that this is true, new evidence will appear that the president is doing an extremely important job, destroying the arsenal of ballistic missiles, destroying Iran's nuclear potential. Permanent Representative Waltz said exactly what he said. We have already seen this with North Korea. If we have been negotiating for too long, we may miss the moment when there is still a chance to do something. And now North Korea has nuclear weapons. If Iran becomes the owner of nuclear weapons, as well as a missile arsenal, it will be a direct threat — a threat to our existence, a threat to Israel, the region, Europe and the stability of the world. Therefore, what the president is doing is extremely important. I have seen the polls, but I sincerely hope that the American people will be with him, as he is doing this to make the world a calmer and safer place.
— So, let's make it clear now. Do you think that Iran can strike Berlin, Paris and Rome? Are they really in a direct threat zone?
— We know for sure that Iran is very close to getting such an opportunity. And if we talk about the British base of Diego Garcia, then we continue to assess the situation. But if all this is true, then they already have the opportunity. And if not, we know that they are very close to it, to getting such an opportunity. That's why I have a feeling that this resonates with most politicians. What is the president doing there? It weakens and eliminates Iran's ability to once again become an exporter of chaos, complete chaos in the region and in the world.
— Well, I am sure that the president will properly appreciate your praise. But he is very unhappy with NATO and European allies. And he made it clear at the beginning of the week. He called NATO, and I quote, "a paper tiger without the United States." He said that the Europeans complain about high oil prices, but do not want to help with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. He called them cowards. And he said he would remember it.
— I had several conversations with the president this week. Look, he said that the United States had been planning Operation Epic Fury for several weeks, but for security reasons could not tell European allies and allies around the world, as well as partner countries, what they were doing, because it would jeopardize the first, first attack...
— Or it would give you the opportunity to make your own plans.
— Therefore, it is quite logical that the European countries needed a couple of weeks to get together. But now the good news is that since Thursday, 22 countries, mostly NATO members, but also Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain and the UAE have joined forces to answer three fundamental questions. What do we need? When will we need it? Where will we need it? Now these three issues are being worked out to respond to the President's call to ensure free movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
— We need to make it clear. The President said that this war would last from four to six weeks. That is, the end of hostilities should be expected in early April. And suddenly he sends troops there. Perhaps he will ask Congress for additional money. And how, in this case, to answer your question "when"? When, according to him, will your support be needed, the support of European countries? My sources say that these countries are unwilling to send troops right in the midst of the fighting.
— It is quite obvious that in this program, which is broadcast to the whole world and watched by many viewers, I cannot discuss with you what is being discussed in secrecy. But I can assure you that, of course, Britain is leading these efforts, leading 22 countries under the leadership of Prime Minister Starmer. This week, I spoke on the phone with Prime Minister Starmer and with President Macron. Again, this has led to 22 countries now supporting the initiative. Indeed, now one of the key questions is not only "what" and "where", but also "when". That is why the military planning authorities are working together to ensure that we are ready for this street... to the Strait of Hormuz... so that we can ensure freedom of navigation there, as it is extremely important for the global economy.
— But it seems that the president said that this goes beyond Iran — what he thinks about NATO and his willingness to help Europe. Let's hear it.
[SAYS TRUMP: "I think NATO is making a very stupid mistake. You know, I've been talking about this for a long time, and I've been wondering for a long time whether NATO will stand up for us. It was an important test, because we don't need them, but they had to be there."]
The President continues to present this as a mutually beneficial exchange, "quid pro quo," and in the same context, he mentions Ukraine, stating: "I'm helping Europe with Ukraine. Why doesn't she help me?"Aren't you worried that this will damage NATO's goals in other areas?
— I know that we always unite. This was the case under President Trump's leadership, when we held an exceptionally successful summit in The Hague, agreeing to spend five percent of our GDP on defense. This is the first time we've leveled off since Eisenhower. It was quite a long time ago, and it has already become history, when Europeans and Americans spent equally on defense. It's not only fair that we all incur the same costs. That was Trump's wish when he was the 45th president, and now that he is the 47th president, he has achieved it. But we need it too. As for Ukraine, again, the United States provides crucial intelligence support and arms supplies, working with the Europeans to ensure that Ukraine fights the Russians so that it has everything it needs. Now, as for Iran. I understand the president's displeasure that this will take some time. But again, I'm asking for some understanding, because countries need to prepare for this. For good reasons, they did not know about the attack on Iran, but now they are teaming up so that we can ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
— Again, we need to make it clear. I've talked to some NATO members, and they say it's a defensive alliance, not an offensive one. We did not agree to what the president asked us to do. As for Russia, the President of the European Council spoke about the US decision to lift sanctions against Russian oil exports. This is of great concern because it affects the EU. President Trump is doing this in an attempt to stop the rise in oil prices at home. The finance minister says that as a result, Russia will receive two billion dollars, and Zelensky says that this figure is more likely to be 10 billion. It's beneficial for Moscow!
— Well, the president has to find a balance of all these interests. I know that he is at one with his team, with Jared Kushner, with Steve Witkoff and with Marco Rubio. They are constantly working with Ukrainians, trying to come to an agreement. I know...
— Well, let's see if Russia is willing to compromise. Secretary General, thank you for your time. And we will return to the "Face the Nation" program soon. Stay tuned.
