**US Airstrikes on Iran Highlight “Peace through Strength” Approach**
The recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have shown that military action can achieve rapid peace, according to the US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Speaking at a NATO Public Forum in The Hague, Whitaker emphasized that the strength of an alliance, like NATO, can amplify and enhance this approach.
Whitaker’s comments came as tensions between Israel and Iran continued to escalate. US President Donald Trump had called the airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites a “spectacular success.” He also claimed that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24, although this was disputed by both sides.
The US Ambassador to NATO emphasized the importance of defense investments by all member states. “If all (NATO) countries elevate investments in their defense, I think we will have peace for generations,” he said.
**US Seeks End to Russia’s War in Ukraine**
Whitaker also expressed hope that the US would bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, he acknowledged that there was “no purely military solution” to the conflict. This is a departure from Trump’s previous comments on the matter.
The war in Ukraine has seen increased Russian missile and drone attacks on civilians. On June 24, Russia launched a ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, killing at least three people and injuring more than 20, including two children.
**NATO Summit Highlights Need for Stronger Defense Spending**
The NATO summit highlighted the need for stronger defense spending by member states. The Netherlands announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including drone radar systems and front-line vehicles for evacuating wounded personnel. The country also plans to start producing drones for Ukraine according to Ukrainian specifications.
Meanwhile, Russian forces continued to launch missile attacks on Ukraine, with reports of attacks on the cities of Kherson and Sumy. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukrainian officials to discuss the upcoming Zelensky-Trump meeting.
**Key Takeaways**
* The US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have shown that military action can achieve rapid peace.
* Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, despite a claimed ceasefire.
* The US seeks an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, but acknowledges there is no purely military solution.
* NATO member states are under pressure to increase their defense spending to support the alliance’s deterrence efforts.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
