President Donald Trump’s first NATO summit appearance since reclaiming the White House was initially expected to highlight a major win: securing an unprecedented commitment from allied nations to boost military spending — a move seen as the U.S. exerting significant influence over the alliance.
However, attention has now shifted to Trump’s recent military action targeting three of Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites, which the administration claims dealt a blow to Tehran’s nuclear program. Adding to the surprise, Trump abruptly announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran just hours before his departure. This dramatic shift in the regional conflict is poised to take center stage at the summit in The Hague, Netherlands.
The fallout from the strikes is already shaping the tone of the gathering. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte carefully avoided direct commentary on the issue, even as protests — originally organized to challenge defense spending — turned into a broader condemnation of the conflict.
