Podgorica, May 12 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed profound confidence in the long-term trajectory of the military alliance, though he acknowledged that the escalating crisis involving Iran is currently at the forefront of the global security agenda.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, the NATO Secretary General noted that immediate tactical concerns are centred on maritime security and regional stability.

"When you look at the short term, of course, there are discussions about Iran, and how we make sure that allies in Europe will be able to help with situations in the Strait of Hormuz," Rutte observed during a press conference in Montenegro.

The discussions come amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with NA...