NATO Leaders Head To Ankara Summit Amid Strains Over Iran, Greenland

NATO leaders will gather in Ankara next week, with European officials hoping to smooth over recent friction with President Trump following disputes over Iran and Greenland. Secretary General Mark Rutte said the summit will highlight increased European defense spending, with arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars expected to be signed. Leaders are also expected to reaffirm continued funding for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

Trump Criticism Adds Uncertainty

In a social Truth Social post Thursday, Trump complained that the US was spending money to protect NATO members without receiving benefits in return. Rutte and other officials have pushed back, arguing the alliance also serves US interests and noting that European allies increased defense spending by $90 billion in 2025, bringing the total above $570 billion.

Iran War Casts Shadow Over Summit

European officials worry the ongoing Iran conflict, currently under a fragile ceasefire, could overshadow discussions if tensions resurface or if Trump expresses frustration over insufficient European support during US military operations. The war has also strained personal relationships between Trump and leaders including Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

US Military Posture In Europe Shifting

The summit comes as the US has announced troop withdrawals from Europe and reduced military assets assigned to NATO’s defense plans, including aircraft carriers and fighter jets, while conducting a six-month review of its continental military presence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who will also hold bilateral talks with Trump.