NATO deputy visits Israel, emphasizes shared threats from Iran, Russia
NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana told Al-Monitor that he is optimistic the alliance will soon conclude a new four-year partnership framework with Israel.
On a three-day visit to Israel, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said on Friday the defense alliance shares many of the same security concerns as Israel. Speaking with Al-Monitor, Geoana warned against Iran’s affiliation with Russia and the cooperation of the two governments with North Korea.
“We fully understand the deep Israeli concerns over the destabilizing efforts by Iran to create trouble,” Geoana said. “We share many of the concerns that Israel shares. Not only on Iran directly, but also Iran in its constellations of authoritarian regimes, such as the close relationships between Iran and Russia or with North Korea," he added.
The NATO official highlighted Iran's role in Ukraine as major challenge to our security both in Europe and also in the Middle East. "In Ukraine, for instance, we are talking of 1,000 [Iran-manufactured] drones. So much destruction, and such a breach of international law," he said.
US and Western officials have accused Iran of supplying the Kremlin with dozens drones, among them reportedly Shahed-136s and 131s to use them in Ukraine.
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