NATO Summit in Ankara: Trump Demands More Spending, Threatens Iran Strikes—July 8

NATO leaders convened in Ankara on July 7–8 as President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran finished and threatened fresh military strikes. Trump criticized Germany, Italy, and France for refusing to support U.S. military action against Iran, demanding all NATO members commit to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035. The alliance announced over €50 billion in new military procurements to demonstrate unity, but Trump’s combative stance exposed deep divisions within the 32-member alliance.

Trump ends Iran ceasefire, signals more strikes ahead

President Trump told reporters in Ankara on Wednesday that the U.S.–Iran ceasefire is “over” after the U.S. military hit more than 80 Iranian targets on Tuesday and reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil. Trump said the U.S. may strike Iran again that night and has not yet attacked at the “highest level,” hinting at potential strikes on civilian infrastructure like power plants and desalination facilities. Iran warned it would deliver a “crushing response” to the U.S. strikes, with air defenses activated in Bahrain and Kuwait.

NATO allies reject Iran military support

Trump openly blamed Germany, Italy, and France for refusing to join U.S. military operations in Iran. “Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars when they’re not there for us?” he said at a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump called NATO “very disappointing” and said he would not have attended the summit if it were not held in Turkey, where he praised President Erdogan’s leadership.

Defense spending targets and new military deals

NATO members committed to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, up from earlier targets. In 2025, European allies and Canada increased defense spending by more than €139 billion. At the Ankara summit, NATO announced over €50 billion in new military procurements and committed to expanding collective manufacturing capacity. Canada announced an agreement with Telesat for military satellite communications in the Arctic and an €800 million contract with Norwegian firm Kongsberg Defence for Joint Strike Missiles.

Greenland dispute and Turkey sanctions relief

Trump renewed his demand that the United States control Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, claiming it is surrounded by Chinese and Russian ships. NATO’s founding principle prohibits members from threatening to seize each other’s territory. Trump also announced he would lift sanctions on Turkey and “consider” selling F-35 fighter jets, citing his “chemistry” with President Erdogan. Turkey was kicked out of the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s hardline stance on Iran and defense spending exposed NATO’s fragility just as allies sought to project unity. With oil prices climbing and the ceasefire collapsing, the alliance faces mounting pressure to balance Trump’s demands with European restraint and the risk of wider regional conflict.

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