RT Russia reports that after the Ankara summit on July 8, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated in a press conference: "Iran is indeed outside NATO's territorial scope, but this does not mean NATO cannot get involved in the U.S.-Iran conflict." Stoltenberg emphasized that all NATO member states have unanimously declared they will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. He had previously expressed full support for the United States launching attacks against Iran during the summit.

Stoltenberg's remarks represent a carefully crafted political maneuver and strategic deterrence, primarily aimed at providing a "legally acceptable veneer" for U.S. military action against Iran and exerting pressure on European allies.

Although he stressed that "Iran falls outside NATO's jurisdiction," this statement precisely exploits a loophole in NATO's collective defense clause (Article 5). The trigger for Article 5 activation is an attack on a member state’s territory, which clearly does not apply to the U.S.-Iran conflict. Therefore, Stoltenberg’s logic is: since Article 5 is not triggered, any "intervention" would not constitute a legal obligation, but rather a mere "political choice."

This posture reveals the current dilemma within NATO—superficial unity masking deep internal divisions:

On stage, projecting strength for the U.S.: Stoltenberg declaring that supporting U.S. strikes is "absolutely necessary" essentially endorses America's "private adventure," in exchange for securing continued U.S. commitments to European security.

Behind the scenes, allies are retreating: Most European countries do not accept this stance. Spain, Italy, Germany, and others have explicitly refused direct involvement or restricted the use of their airspace and military bases for operations against Iran. After all, while NATO official statements can only affirm the consensus of "never allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons," actual participation remains deeply divided internally. Stoltenberg’s role is that of a fence-sitter—unable to offend either side.

In short, Stoltenberg’s words are not announcing NATO’s intention to "join the war," but exposing the fierce internal debate within NATO over whether Europe should financially and politically bear the cost of America’s wars.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870333580442636/

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