During the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump surprised allies by launching military strikes against Iran following attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.The U.S.actions disrupted discussions about increasing defense spending and supporting Ukraine’s war with Russia.Trump framed the strikes as retaliation for Iran’s aggression, despite European allies’ concerns over unconsulted grievances.The summit aimed to showcase NATO members’ commitment to meeting defense targets, including a 2026 goal of investing 5% of GDP into military budgets.However, Trump criticized allies for not supporting U.S.-led operations against Iran, accusing them of failing to uphold the alliance’s collective security obligations.His remarks reignited tensions over NATO’s evolving role, with calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense while the U.S.maintains a nuclear deterrent.

The strikes also overshadowed discussions about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, as President Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s military capabilities would strengthen the alliance.

Trump’s unpredictable approach during the summit raised concerns among European leaders, who worried about his tendency to prioritize bilateral interests over collective security agreements.