As NATO leaders gather in Ankara for the 2026 Summit, the crisis in the Middle East and the recent military clashes between the United States and Iran have taken center stage.

In a strong statement to the media before the start of the main session, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the allies' firm stance against Tehran's nuclear ambitions and called for guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the world's most strategic oil transportation point.

Rutte clarified the alliance's position in the face of recent developments, underlining that although the Gulf region is located outside the geographical boundaries of NATO's collective defense, the political stance of the 32 member countries remains unique and unwavering.

"Iran is outside NATO territory... Iran should not have a nuclear capability, the Strait of Hormuz should be opened and NATO has always maintained that when it comes to intercontinental ballistic missile capability, Iran should not get its hands on it," the NATO chief said.