Trump Presses NATO on Spending Amid Iran, Ukraine Strains

NATO’s 32 members gathered in Ankara this week facing a clear test: whether they can convert last year’s pledge to reach 5 percent of GDP on defense into credible plans before U.S. force reductions accelerate. Every ally met the prior 2 percent benchmark in 2025, yet several large economies have signaled they will fall well short of the new target. President Trump arrived Tuesday emphasizing that the United States will shift more of Europe’s conventional defense burden to European and Canadian shoulders.

The central tension is straightforward. Trump administration officials, including Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, stated that allies must move immediately toward the 5 percent goal and that countries contributing more will receive priority in procurement and access. European diplomats described their approach as deliberate management of expectations, praising spending increases while steering clear of topics that could prompt public disagreement. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte framed the meeting as an opportunity to demonstrate progress on the 2025 Hague commitments.

Tensions over the recent U.S.-led operation against Iran added another layer. Several governments restricted base access or overflight rights during the campaign; the United Kingdom later reversed an initial refusal, while Spain maintained limits and issued public criticism. Administration officials cited these decisions as evidence that burden-sharing extends beyond budgets. European officials pointed to domestic legal constraints and concerns about escalation.

On Ukraine, President Trump said he believes both Moscow and Kyiv want an end to the fighting and that talks are advancing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled for a bilateral meeting and is expected to request additional Patriot interceptors. Russian strikes killed more than 50 civilians in the past week, underscoring Ukraine’s air-defense shortages.

The United States has already reduced brigade combat teams in Europe from four to three and is reviewing further posture adjustments. Germany’s draft budget aims for roughly 5 percent by 2030; Poland, the Baltic states, and several Nordic countries already exceed 3 percent. Spain has rejected the higher target, and the United Kingdom has set an interim goal of 3.5 percent by 2035. Turkey, the host, maintains the alliance’s second-largest army and is in line for possible F-35 discussions.

No formal decisions on troop levels or new spending mandates are expected this week. The meeting’s outcome will be measured by whether allies produce detailed, verifiable road maps that satisfy the U.S. demand for urgency while preserving alliance cohesion.