"Express with us the concern, outrage ... with regard to Iran's activities in the region. That would be a good first step," Esper said, when asked during his flight to Brussels what he wanted to see from allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
"And then secondly, to support any range of activities we may think merit participation to help, again, deter conflict and show that we're resolute. What we're trying to do, what we want to do, to close the door to conflict and open the door to diplomacy."