NATO's European leaders are set to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm his commitment to the military alliance during a summit in Ankara on Wednesday, following renewed tensions over the Iran conflict, Greenland, and defense spending. Trump arrived in the Turkish capital on Tuesday and immediately criticized allies for not supporting the U.S. in the Iran war, suggesting he might have boycotted the meeting if not for his friendship with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
US Launches New Strikes on Iran
The United States subsequently launched fresh military strikes on Iran and revoked a license allowing Iran to sell oil, in response to attacks on three tankers. This move dealt a blow to a fragile ceasefire agreement in a war that remains deeply unpopular in Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the U.S. actions as "absolutely necessary" and downplayed Trump's disappointment with allies as "isolated cases." Rutte told reporters, "When you have a ceasefire and Iran is basically violating the ceasefire, I think it is totally crucial that the US forcefully react."
NATO Announces $50 Billion in Arms Deals
In an effort to demonstrate that European members are heeding Trump's calls to increase defense spending and reduce reliance on the U.S., NATO unveiled a series of arms deals worth at least $50 billion. Trump, who has been a vocal critic of NATO during his first and second terms, expressed disappointment with the alliance, stating the U.S. was not "treated well" during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. "Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars, and they're not there for us? We've always been there for them," Trump said alongside Erdogan.
Trump Criticizes Former Ally Meloni
Trump has also singled out Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for criticism, saying their relationship "became a little bad because she refused to help us" with Iran, while still describing her as a "nice person." Italian officials have sought to downplay the spat. Additionally, Trump reiterated his assertion that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, should be under U.S. control, straining relations with Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded, "We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory... Of course we will defend the kingdom of Denmark," adding that Greenland is not for sale.
Summit Declaration Affirms Collective Defence
The 32 NATO leaders met for a dinner on Tuesday evening, with the main summit session scheduled for Wednesday. Ambassadors have approved a summit declaration affirming an "ironclad commitment" to collective defense, pending endorsement by the leaders. The Trump administration has pressed Europeans to boost defense spending and take primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense as the U.S. shifts focus to the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. has announced troop withdrawals from Europe, reduced forces assigned to NATO's defense plans—including an aircraft carrier, refueling aircraft, fighter jets, and drones—and launched a six-month review of its military presence on the continent. European leaders say they are working to assume more responsibility but seek a predictable transition to avoid gaps that Russia could exploit. Officials hope Trump's regard for Erdogan and good relationship with Rutte will help ease tensions at the summit.
