NATO Summit Dominated by Tensions Inside and Out
This year's NATO summit is about to enter its second and final day against the backdrop of issues like the unsettled war in Ukraine and the fragile US-Iranian peace, as well as growing strains within the alliance.
NATO Leaders Meet Amid Rising Tensions and New Challenges
REPORTER:
Another year, another group photo of NATO leaders as the alliance starts its 2026 summit in Turkey’s capital.
REPORTER:
The alliance’s chief, Dutch politician Mark Rutte, paints a rosy picture of progress: new arms contracts worth billions and growing defense spending by member states.
Mark Rutte (NATO CHIEF):
One year ago in The Hague, Allies committed to invest a lot more in defense, 5% of GDP by 2035. And we are already making remarkable progress. And they agreed to ramp up defense production and innovation. And here we are now, one year later in Ankara, already delivering results.
REPORTER:
Behind the warm smiles and friendly handshakes, there are serious challenges for an alliance that’s been the backbone of western security since World War II.
REPORTER:
The presence of guest Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, just on the heels of deadly Russian attacks on Kyiv, is a reminder the war in Ukraine is far from settled.
REPORTER:
And then there’s the rift within the alliance. Between the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump and the rest of the members. Trump may be pleased that his allies have bumped up defense spending, but he has other grievances that may not be so easily settled. There are his continued demands that ally Denmark let the US annex its Arctic territory Greenland. And there is his continued resentment against allies that declined to support the US war in Iran.
REPORTER:
One of the few allies Trump is getting on well with is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He’s promised to lift 2020 sanctions the US put on Turkey for buying Russian defense equipment. And maybe even sell Turkey F-35 stealth fighters.
Donald Trump (US PRESIDENT):
Well we're gonna see. I was very disappointed with NATO and frankly if it weren't held in Turkey, where my friend happens to be a very strong leader, a very strong person. It's possible that I wouldn't have attended.
REPORTER:
At the same time, the US-Iran war has opened a new rift between Trump and NATO, and it’s far from finished business. The US said Tuesday it’s just conducted strikes on Iran after Iran attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
REPORTER:
Iran’s state TV, meanwhile, says the US isn’t holding up its end of the ceasefire when it comes to oil sanctions.
Newsreader (IRAN):
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly condemned the US Treasury Department’s action in revoking the temporary suspension of sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil, describing it as a clear violation of Article 10 of the Memorandum of Understanding dated June 18, and holds the US government responsible for the consequences of this breach of commitment.
REPORTER:
And there’s still one more day to go for this year’s NATO summit, a gathering that's highlighting conflicts both outside the alliance and within.
