NATO’s secretary general called the United States’ new attacks on positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran “absolutely necessary.” Mark Rutte, ahead of the NATO summit of leaders in Ankara, told reporters that when a ceasefire is in place and the Islamic Republic “effectively violates it,” a firm response by the United States is of vital importance. The remarks were made after the Islamic Republic’s recent attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and the escalation of tensions in the region. On Tuesday, Rutte also said that although the Islamic Republic has been weakened in the missile and nuclear domains, NATO must still remain alert to its threats.