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NATO Chief Warns Russia–Iran Axis Is Fueling Chaos Beyond Ukraine
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that deepening cooperation between Russia and Iran is strengthening both countries’ military capabilities, with direct consequences for the war in Ukraine and rising instability in the Middle East, he said, speaking at a conference in Washington on April 9.
Rutte pointed to an expanding network of coordination involving Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, describing it as a joint effort that is “absolutely” reshaping security dynamics across multiple regions.
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He highlighted the growing exchange between Moscow and Tehran, noting that Iran is supplying advanced drones and military technologies used by Russia in Ukraine, while receiving financial support in return.
“This is technology going into Russia, and money going from Russia into Iran,” Rutte said. “And that money is being spent on Iran creating… chaos.”
Rutte accused Iran of acting as a primary destabilizing force in the Middle East, citing its backing of regional proxy groups and continued development of missile and nuclear capabilities.
He warned that Iran’s expanding missile range—potentially reaching up to 4,000 kilometers—suggests that its technology is approaching operational maturity.
According to Rutte, these developments pose risks not only to the Middle East but also to Western interests, as Iran’s capabilities become increasingly advanced and far-reaching.
The NATO chief stressed that US efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain critical to limiting these threats.
His remarks come amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. Rutte added that NATO could play a role in ensuring maritime security in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
“If NATO can help, obviously, then there is no reason not to help,” he said, underscoring the importance of keeping the waterway open.
Earlier, reports emerged that Russian crude prices surged to their highest level in more than 13 years, allowing Moscow to reap massive financial benefits from the global oil rally triggered by the ongoing war in Iran.
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
