U.S. President Donald Trump announced at the NATO summit in Ankara that the agreement reached with Iran has ended. The two-day meetings, overshadowed by U.S. airstrikes on Iran, concluded with defense budgets and support for Ukraine as the main agenda.
Iran agreement ended
Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding signed with Tehran is 'over' and described the Iranian administration as 'sick people'. 'They are cruel, violent people and if they had nuclear weapons they would use them,' said the U.S. President, adding, 'As far as I'm concerned, this is over.' NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the U.S. strikes on Iran as 'absolutely necessary' and claimed that Iran had violated the ceasefire.
Major aid pledge to Ukraine
Following talks attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO pledged 70 billion euros (80 billion dollars) for military equipment, aid and training to Kyiv. Trump also announced that Ukraine would be given the right to produce Patriot missile systems. In a statement after the meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude and said he had signed drone agreements with several countries.
Defense spending increased
Under pressure from Trump, NATO leaders agreed to increase defense spending and develop military-industrial capacities. The final 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. The U.S. rate is 3.17 percent.
Trump criticizes allies
Throughout the summit, Trump harshly criticized allies he said were not helping in the Iran war. 'I am very angry with NATO,' Trump said, claiming that members 'do not want to help us with Iran, the number one state sponsor of terror.' Describing Spain as 'a lost cause,' Trump announced he had ordered the severing of trade relations. He described the UK's approach as 'strange'.
Greenland dispute reignited
Trump once again raised his desire to acquire Greenland during the summit. Claiming Greenland is 'very important' for the U.S., Trump said Denmark had asked them to protect the region from the Nazis and then 'stupidly gave it back.' Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
