Leaders will gather in the Turkish capital this week for a high-stakes NATO summit amid transatlantic tensions and growing uncertainty. Hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the July 7-8 meeting will bring together leaders from NATO’s 32 member states in Ankara.
US President Donald Trump is facing domestic pressure over the outcome of the military conflict in Iran and the economic impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, who has repeatedly criticized some NATO allies for refusing to join the war he launched with Israel, is expected to seek to reinforce his authority at the summit.
One of the main issues expected to dominate discussions is defense spending, with Trump likely to press allies to increase military expenditures. NATO members are being urged to present credible plans to raise defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product without relying on accounting maneuvers.
Before the summit opens Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Erdogan. Athens is closely watching whether the US president will announce a decision on supplying engines for Turkey’s KAAN fighter jet program and whether he will address Ankara’s possible return to the F-35 program. Turkey is also seeking to establish two additional NATO headquarters in Istanbul and Adana, a move that would further strengthen its role within the alliance.
