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2w ago

Hague Demonstrators Challenge NATO’s 5% Defense Target and U.S. Iran Strikes

Spain’s resistance to a 5% GDP defense pledge tests NATO unity under strict security following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites

Demonstrators hold signs against a war in Iran, during a march against the upcoming NATO leaders' summit, at The Hague, Netherlands, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
Demonstrators hold 'ROOD Socialistische Jongeren' (RED socialist youth) flags during a march against the upcoming NATO leaders' summit, at The Hague, Netherlands, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
A demonstrator reacts, during a march against the upcoming NATO leaders' summit, at The Hague, Netherlands June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
People take part in a march against the upcoming NATO leaders' summit, at The Hague, Netherlands, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

Overview

  • Organizers estimated around 5,000 people marched near the Peace Palace in The Hague on Sunday to protest NATO military spending and possible conflict with Iran.
  • Protesters carried banners calling for de-escalation, diplomacy and the dissolution of the alliance while denouncing U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
  • Participants warned that overnight U.S. attacks on key nuclear facilities in Iran risk escalating tensions across the Middle East.
  • Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a 5% GDP defense commitment “unreasonable and counterproductive,” threatening to stall the summit consensus.
  • Dutch authorities have launched a large‐scale security operation codenamed “Orange Shield,” deploying thousands of personnel, drones, no-fly zones and cybersecurity teams for the upcoming summit.