Key facts
- Nato leaders met in Ankara, facing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to increase defense spending.
- Allies unveiled arms deals worth at least $50 billion to demonstrate increased defense spending.
- Trump expressed disappointment with NATO and criticized allies for not supporting the U.S. during the Iran conflict.
- Nato foreign ministers were scheduled to meet Gulf Arab counterparts to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz.
- A summit declaration affirming "ironclad commitment" to collective defense was approved by ambassadors.
- The U.S. has announced troop withdrawals from Europe and a review of its military presence.
NATO leaders convened in Ankara, Turkey, facing significant pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding defense spending and amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, who has been critical of the alliance, arrived in Ankara and indicated his attendance was due to his relationship with host President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He expressed disappointment with NATO's support during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and accused European allies of not adequately contributing to collective security.
To address Trump's demands, NATO allies unveiled arms deals valued at least $50 billion, aiming to demonstrate increased defense contributions. The summit was also expected to reaffirm a commitment to collective defense through a declaration approved by ambassadors. Simultaneously, NATO foreign ministers were scheduled to meet with Gulf Arab counterparts to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, following recent Iranian actions against commercial shipping.
Transatlantic relations have been strained by Trump's past criticisms and the U.S. administration's plans for troop withdrawals from Europe. European leaders are working to assume greater responsibility for continental security while seeking a predictable transition to avoid creating vulnerabilities exploitable by Russia. The summit aimed to navigate these complex dynamics, with hopes that relationships between Trump, Erdogan, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte could help ease tensions.