NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/school-shooting-in-bavaria-germany-injures-four-1783513206253">Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree</a>&nbsp;The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027.


NATO countries on Wednesday (July 8) reiterated that "Iran must never have a nuclear weapon" and called on Tehran to "fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes, including a massive US strike on more than 80 targets in Iran, and Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is "over." That ceasefire had been based on the 14-point memorandum of understanding (the Islamabad Memorandum) signed on June 17. These statements are part of the Ankara Summit Declaration, adopted by the 32-nation military bloc following the 2026 NATO summit held on July 7 to 8. The summit saw participation from all member nations, including host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Several key non-member leaders also participated, most notably Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and European Council President António Costa. NATO allies reaffirmed collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and the transatlantic bond, describing it as "an attack on one is an attack on all," the Ankara Summit Declaration reads. Also Read: Attack on school in Bavaria, Germany, leaves several injured; police flag possible shooting spree The countries announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and vowed to expand collective manufacturing capacity, working in tandem with industry to accelerate innovation. This is in addition to the $139 billion increase in defence investment recorded in 2025, in response to what it described as the "long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security and stability, and the persistent threat of terrorism." The declaration also announced "unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," while crediting Kyiv with contributing to transatlantic security. They further pledged massive funding for Ukraine's war effort against Russia, affirming sovereign commitments to sustain at least the same €70 billion level of assistance in 2027 as in 2026. "For 2026, Allies pledge €70 billion in military equipment, assistance and training for Ukraine and affirm their sovereign commitments to sustaining at least equivalent levels in 2027. To this end, we welcome the European Union's decision to provide multi-year funding to Ukraine through the Ukraine Support Loan."

NATO's Ankara Declaration reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging €70 billion in military assistance for 2026 and committing to sustain at least the same level in 2027. &nbsp;

Hormuz navigation, collective defence, support for Ukraine: Key takeaways from NATO's Ankara declaration

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (May 22) said that US President Donald Trump’s “disappointment” with NATO over its lack of support in the Iran war “will have to be addressed”. This comes after Trump on Thursday (May 21) announced that the US will deploy 5,000 additional troops to Poland, reversing earlier indications that a planned troop deployment had been cancelled. Meanwhile, NATO’s European members scrambled to seek clarity from Rubio on troop shifts by Washington.“The president’s views, frankly disappointment, at some of our NATO allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East – they’re well documented -- that will have to be addressed, that won’t be solved or addressed today,” Rubio said before meeting his alliance counterparts for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden.He added that the upcoming alliance summit in Ankara would be “probably one of the more important leaders’ summits in the history of NATO.”<h2>Trump’s ‘confusing’ troop moves</h2>Trump announced on Thursday that he would send 5,000 troops to Poland, in an apprent U-turn of his earlier declaration of withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany following a spat with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While the move was welcomed by NATO chief Mark Rutte and Poland’s foreign minister, concerns over a lack of coordination between the US and its allies surfaced.“It is confusing indeed, and not always easy to navigate,” said Swedish foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.Several NATO ministers stated that a reduction in US troop presence in Europe was largely anticipated, as Washington shifts its focus toward other threats while European nations strengthen their own defence capabilities.“What is important is that it happens in a structured manner, so that Europe is able to build up when the US reduces its presence,” Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide said.<h2>US troop decisions ‘not punitive’</h2>Rubio has said that the troop shifts by Washington in Europe were not aimed at punishing allies for a lack of support over Iran.“The United States continues to have global commitments that it needs to meet in terms of our force deployment, and that constantly requires us to reexamine where we put troops. This is not a punitive thing, it’s just something that’s ongoing,” he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US President Donald Trump’s disappointment with NATO over the Iran war must be addressed, as the US sends 5,000 troops to Poland, sparking confusion among European allies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday (May 22) said that US President Donald Trump’s “disappointment” with NATO over its lack of support in the Iran war “will have to be addressed”. This comes after Trump on Thursday (May 21) announced that the US will deploy 5,000 additional troops to Poland, reversing earlier indications that a planned troop deployment had been cancelled. Meanwhile, NATO’s European members scrambled to seek clarity from Rubio on troop shifts by Washington. “The president’s views, frankly disappointment, at some of our NATO allies and their response to our operations in the Middle East – they’re well documented -- that will have to be addressed, that won’t be solved or addressed today,” Rubio said before meeting his alliance counterparts for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden. He added that the upcoming alliance summit in Ankara would be “probably one of the more important leaders’ summits in the history of NATO.” Trump’s ‘confusing’ troop moves Trump announced on Thursday that he would send 5,000 troops to Poland, in an apprent U-turn of his earlier declaration of withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany following a spat with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While the move was welcomed by NATO chief Mark Rutte and Poland’s foreign minister, concerns over a lack of coordination between the US and its allies surfaced. “It is confusing indeed, and not always easy to navigate,” said Swedish foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. Several NATO ministers stated that a reduction in US troop presence in Europe was largely anticipated, as Washington shifts its focus toward other threats while European nations strengthen their own defence capabilities. “What is important is that it happens in a structured manner, so that Europe is able to build up when the US reduces its presence,” Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide said. US troop decisions ‘not punitive’ Rubio has said that the troop shifts by Washington in Europe were not aimed at punishing allies for a lack of support over Iran. “The United States continues to have global commitments that it needs to meet in terms of our force deployment, and that constantly requires us to reexamine where we put troops. This is not a punitive thing, it’s just something that’s ongoing,” he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US President Donald Trump’s disappointment with NATO over the Iran war must be addressed, as the US sends 5,000 troops to Poland, sparking confusion among European allies.

‘Will have to be addressed’: Rubio warns NATO over Trump’s ‘disappointment’; says troop decisions ‘not punitive’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action.“There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters.President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.”“We were very upset about that,” Rubio added.The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.”“So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise.The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (May 21) slammed NATO for not supporting the US military campaign against Iran, accusing several member nations of benefiting from the alliance while failing to back the United States during a major conflict. Speaking to reporters in Miami before departing for NATO foreign ministers’ talks in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said many alliance members agree that Iran poses a global threat and should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. However, he expressed frustration that most countries stopped short of supporting US military action. “There are many countries in NATO that agree with us that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon, that Iran is a threat to the world,” Rubio told reporters. President Donald Trump “said, fine, I’m going to do something about it,” he said. “He’s not asking them to commit troops. He’s not asking them to send their fighter jets in. But they refuse to do anything.” “We were very upset about that,” Rubio added. The secretary further added, “I’ve been a strong supporter of NATO my entire career.” He continued, “I know why NATO is good for Europe, but why is NATO good for America? Because it gives us bases in the region that allow us to project power during a contingency in the Middle East or somewhere else.” “So when that is the key rationale for why you're in NATO, and then you have countries like Spain denying us the use of these bases, well then, why are you in NATO? That's a very fair question,” he said. He added that other countries were more helpful, previously singling out Portugal for praise. The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28 without prior consultation with NATO allies. Several European leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have questioned the need for the war. The US and Israel have claimed an imminent nuclear threat from Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticised NATO allies for refusing to back the US campaign against Iran, saying Washington was “very upset” as tensions and the global energy crisis continue to escalate.

‘They refuse to do anything’: Rubio says US ‘very upset’ with NATO for not supporting war in Iran

A growing rift is emerging within NATO as key European allies push back against US military requests tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East, signaling a shift in alliance dynamics and strategic priorities. Italy has become the latest flashpoint. The government of Italy reportedly denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to the Middle East. According to Corriere della Sera, the decision was driven not just by geopolitical caution, but by procedural concerns, Washington allegedly failed to seek prior authorization or consult Italy’s military leadership, as required under existing agreements governing US use of bases on Italian soil.&nbsp;The move reflects both institutional friction and political pressure at home. Centre-left opposition parties have urged Rome to block the use of Italian bases altogether, warning that any cooperation risks dragging the country into a widening regional conflict. While Meloni’s government has maintained it would seek parliamentary approval for such requests, the reported denial suggests a more cautious and assertive posture toward Washington.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scott-mills-sex-abuse-claims-teen-boy-at-centre-of-probe-was-under-16-police-say-1774954301600">Scott Mills sex abuse claims: Teen boy at centre of probe was under 16, police say</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nasze baterie Patriot i ich uzbrojenie służą do ochrony polskiego nieba i wschodniej flanki NATO. Nic w tej kwestii się nie zmienia i nigdzie nie planujemy ich przemieszczać! Nasi sojusznicy dobrze wiedzą i rozumieją jak ważne mamy tu zadania. Bezpieczeństwo Polski jest…&mdash; Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) <a href="https://twitter.com/KosiniakKamysz/status/2038875423136690443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Further east, Poland is sending an equally firm message. Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz dismissed speculation that Warsaw might contribute air-defense assets to the Middle East after reports of an informal US request. In a post on X, he said, "Our Patriot batteries and their armament are used to protect Polish skies and NATO's eastern flank. Nothing is changing in this regard, and we are not planning to relocate them anywhere! Our allies know full well and understand how important the tasks we have here are. Poland's security is an absolute priority."&nbsp;The stakes for Poland are particularly high. With only two operational Patriot batteries currently in service, any temporary transfer would effectively halve its air-defense capability at a time when security concerns remain acute along NATO’s eastern flank, bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Polish officials have consistently argued that national defense cannot be compromised, especially as the country continues to build out its broader air-defense network under the Wisla program.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-what-does-us-israel-want-from-iran-war-1774961106066/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-what-does-us-israel-want-from-iran-war-1774961106066/embed</a>

These developments come amid a broader surge in demand for Patriot systems globally, driven by intensifying conflict dynamics involving Iran, Israel, and US forces in the Middle East. The strain on supply has forced Washington to lean more heavily on allies, requests that are now meeting resistance.&nbsp;Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has responded with open frustration, publicly criticizing European allies for what he sees as a lack of support. In a series of posts on Truth Social, he singled out France and the United Kingdom for refusing to align with US military efforts. He wrote, “The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the “Butcher of Iran,” who has been successfully eliminated! The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!!! President DJT."&nbsp;Trump’s statement underscores a divide within the alliance, as European nations weigh domestic political constraints, legal frameworks, and regional security risks against Washington’s strategic expectations. Taken together, Italy’s denial, Poland’s refusal, and Trump’s sharp rhetoric point to an increasingly transactional phase in NATO relations, one where unity is no longer assumed, and national interests are taking center stage.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Washington vs NATO: Poland, France and Italy push back on US war demands

A growing rift is emerging within NATO as key European allies push back against US military requests tied to escalating tensions in the Middle East, signaling a shift in alliance dynamics and strategic priorities. Italy has become the latest flashpoint. The government of Italy reportedly denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily en route to the Middle East. According to Corriere della Sera, the decision was driven not just by geopolitical caution, but by procedural concerns, Washington allegedly failed to seek prior authorization or consult Italy’s military leadership, as required under existing agreements governing US use of bases on Italian soil. The move reflects both institutional friction and political pressure at home. Centre-left opposition parties have urged Rome to block the use of Italian bases altogether, warning that any cooperation risks dragging the country into a widening regional conflict. While Meloni’s government has maintained it would seek parliamentary approval for such requests, the reported denial suggests a more cautious and assertive posture toward Washington. Also Read: Scott Mills sex abuse claims: Teen boy at centre of probe was under 16, police say

Italy, France, and Poland push back on US military requests as Trump lashes out, exposing growing fractures within NATO over Middle East tensions

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-missiles-hit-prince-sultan-air-base-in-saudi-arabia-10-american-troops-wounded-1774651260852">Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded</a><h2>'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies</h2>"They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks.Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices.Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’</h2>Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week. Also read | Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded 'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies "They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?" Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks. Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices. Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’ Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

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Hormuz navigation, collective defence, support for Ukraine: Key takeaways from NATO's Ankara declaration

‘Will have to be addressed’: Rubio warns NATO over Trump’s ‘disappointment’

Rubio says US ‘very upset’ with NATO for not supporting war in Iran

Washington vs NATO: Poland, France and Italy push back on US war demands

US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Hormuz Strait amid Iran war