Key facts
- US President Donald Trump declared an Iran ceasefire over and ordered new strikes.
- NATO leaders concluded their summit in Ankara, pledging record defense spending.
- The alliance committed to providing Ukraine with military aid, including Patriot missile production capabilities.
- Trump criticized European allies for their support in the conflict and defense spending.
- The summit declaration emphasized Iran's non-nuclear status and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The final day of the NATO summit in Ankara was marked by US President Donald Trump's declaration that the ceasefire with Iran was over, followed by an announcement of new strikes. This overshadowed the alliance's proceedings, though leaders ultimately projected unity.
Trump had previously criticized European allies for delaying the use of their bases for US air strikes against Iran and questioned their loyalty. He also made critical remarks about Spain and renewed his interest in acquiring Greenland. However, behind closed doors at the summit, NATO diplomats reported that Trump adopted a more diplomatic tone.
The summit declaration endorsed by all leaders stated that Iran must never possess nuclear weapons and called for respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite US concerns about European defense spending, NATO highlighted that allies collectively increased spending by $139 billion in the past year, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte crediting Trump for this push.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit, with the declaration noting Ukraine's contribution to transatlantic security. The alliance committed to providing Kyiv with 70 billion euros in military aid this year and a similar amount for 2027. Crucially, Washington granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missile interceptors, a long-sought capability.
Trump and Zelenskyy appeared to develop a good relationship, with Trump expressing interest in visiting Kyiv and exploring drone deals. However, Trump also made comments comparing Ukrainian and Russian peoples and noting his frequent conversations with Russian President Putin. Zelenskyy humorously responded to a suggestion of a Moscow meeting by noting the danger posed by Ukrainian drones in the city.
The location for the next NATO summit was confirmed as Albania, though the exact timing remains undecided, with speculation that it might be delayed beyond 2027.