The two-day NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara has concluded. The summit took place under the shadow of the ongoing war by the US and Israel against Iran, with an agenda focused on defense budgets and support for Ukraine.
Iran agreement ends
One of the most striking statements at the summit came from US President Donald Trump. Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with Tehran was 'over,' describing the Iranian leadership as 'sick people.' 'They are cruel, violent people, and if they had nuclear weapons they would use them,' Trump said, adding, 'As far as I'm concerned, this is over.' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, meanwhile, called the US airstrikes on Iran 'absolutely necessary' and claimed that Iran had violated the ceasefire.
NATO's final communiqué called on Iran to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stressed that Tehran would not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Major support for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's intensive talks at the summit drew attention. NATO pledged 70 billion euros (80 billion dollars) for military equipment, aid, and training for Kyiv. Trump also announced that the US would grant Ukraine the right to produce Patriot missile systems. After the meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude, saying, 'We discussed some ideas that could strengthen our positions and bring peace closer.'
Defense spending to increase
Under pressure from Trump, NATO leaders agreed to increase defense spending and develop military-industrial capacities. The communiqué included a commitment to 'new procurements exceeding 50 billion dollars.' According to NATO data, only five of the 32 members are projected to meet the target of allocating 3.5 percent of gross domestic product to core defense by 2026.
Regional tensions and allied criticism
Throughout the summit, Trump criticized allies he felt were not providing enough support for the Iran war. Describing Spain as 'a lost cause,' Trump announced he had ordered a halt to trade relations. Tensions also flared again over Greenland. Trump claimed Greenland was 'very important' for the US, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that the territory was not for sale.
