Stockholm: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that de-escalation in the Middle East has become "crucial" following attacks launched by Israeli occupation forces on multiple sites inside Iranian territory, including nuclear and military facilities in Tehran.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Rutte spoke during a press conference held in Stockholm alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as part of his visit to Sweden. Rutte emphasized, "I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day." He noted that the strike was a "unilateral action by Israel," while also pointing out the rapidly evolving situation in the region.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the Middle East. He warned that the ongoing events in an already unstable region could considerably worsen the situation. The Israeli occupation military had earlier announced the launch of an operation dubbed "Rising Lion" targeting Iran's nuclear program. This operation resulted in the killing of several senior Iranian military leaders, including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and several top nuclear scientists.