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Rutte defends US Iran strikes, calls for European defense boost

7/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the U.S. strikes on Iran were absolutely necessary to enforce the ceasefire.
The United States launched Tuesday strikes and revoked an oil-sale license after three tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rutte urged European and Canadian defense spending to rise to U.S. levels, calling alignment with President Donald Trump a fair expectation and a win.

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Story summary

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the U.S. strikes on Iran were absolutely necessary to enforce the ceasefire.
The United States launched Tuesday strikes and revoked an oil-sale license after three tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rutte urged European and Canadian defense spending to rise to U.S. levels, calling alignment with President Donald Trump a fair expectation and a win.