Overview
- NATO leaders will meet in Ankara on July 7–8 to try to mend frayed ties between Washington and European capitals and to present new capability commitments.
- Following Thursday's Truth Social post, President Trump publicly renewed criticism of allies for what he called a 'one sided' relationship and said some European countries did not support U.S. operations against Iran.
- The Pentagon has launched a six-month review of U.S. forces in Europe and already removed certain assets assigned to NATO plans, including an aircraft carrier, refuelling aircraft, fighters and drones.
- European allies and Canada say they added about $90 billion to defence spending in 2025 and plan to sign tens of billions in arms contracts in Ankara to turn budgets into ready capabilities.
- Turkey has imposed heavy security measures for the summit and leaders face a broader choice between deepening defence-industrial ties and answering concerns about democratic oversight and long-term budget trade-offs.