NATO will not join the military operation against Iran directly, but the alliance is openly backing the actions of the United States and Israel. Secretary General Mark Rutte made that position clear in an interview with the BBC, stressing that the campaign is being led by Washington and Tel Aviv, not by NATO as an organization.

Rutte noted that many European leaders view the strikes on Iran in a positive light, arguing that Tehran poses a threat to the Middle East as well as to Europe and Ukraine. He also highlighted the role of US President Donald Trump, describing him as the leader of the free world and crediting him with strengthening global security.

Yet the alliance is far from unanimous. Spain has firmly refused to take part in the operation and has demanded the withdrawal of US refueling aircraft from its territory.

Fifteen US Air Force tankers that had supported strike operations in the Middle East have already left the Rota and Moron bases. Madrid’s position is shaped by concerns over the risk of retaliatory attacks on facilities linked to the United States.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated that Spanish bases are not being used for the operation against Iran and will not be used for any purpose that violates international law.

The United Kingdom also hesitated at first to grant access to its military infrastructure, a stance that drew criticism from President Trump directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer.