2026 Ankara NATO Summit

2026 Ankara NATO Summit, officially known as the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, is planned to be held in Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe on 7–8 July 2026, with the participation of the heads of state and government of the 32 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). ^【1】 Türkiye’s hosting of the summit was officially announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on 19 August 2025. This marks Türkiye’s second time hosting a NATO summit, following the 2004 Istanbul Summit.^【2】

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on 19 August 2025 that the 2026 NATO Summit would take place on 7–8 July 2026 at the Beştepe Presidential Complex in Ankara.^. In his statement, Rutte thanked Türkiye for its longstanding commitment to NATO, describing the country as “a strong ally for over 70 years” and one that has made “an invaluable contribution to collective security.” The Secretary General added, “At the next summit, leaders will strengthen NATO further to ensure it is more robust, fair and effective in responding to critical challenges to our security.”

Türkiye’s hosting of the summit was also confirmed in the outcome declaration of the previous NATO summit held in The Hague, Netherlands, on 24–25 June 2025. The The Hague Summit Declaration stated that allies expected their next meeting to be held in Türkiye in 2026 and the following one in Albania.^【3】

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on 3 June 2026 that President Donald Trump would “personally attend” the summit in Ankara. Rubio stated he believed the meeting in Ankara would “likely be the most important summit in NATO’s history” and noted that there were “certain issues that needed clarification and correction.” ^【4】

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during an appearance on Anadolu Ajansı’s Editor’s Panel, emphasized the summit’s significance, stating: “Perhaps it will be the most important summit in NATO’s history.”^【5】

^{NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, 18 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Türkiye first hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. According to an Anadolu Ajansı compilation, at that time NATO had 26 members and its primary focus was counterterrorism, with the alliance prioritizing the enhancement of its capabilities to address threats beyond the Euro-Atlantic region following the 11 September 2001 attacks.

The same compilation notes that the 2004 Istanbul Summit endorsed the expansion of the stabilization mission in Afghanistan, initiated the idea of training Iraqi security forces, and launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) to deepen cooperation with Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The summit confirmed the need for the alliance to “evolve from traditional defense to global security and crisis management capacity.”^【6】

At the 2004 Istanbul Summit, seven new member countries were admitted: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.^【7】

One of the key developments shaping the agenda of the 2026 Ankara Summit was the defense spending decision adopted at the The Hague Summit held on 24–25 June 2025. The The Hague Summit Declaration reaffirmed allies’ commitment to collective defense under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and pledged to invest 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually by 2035 to meet core defense needs and related security expenditures.

_{The Hague NATO Leaders Summit, 25 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

According to the declaration, this 5% target consists of two categories: allies will allocate at least 3.5% of GDP annually to meet core defense needs and NATO Capability Targets, and up to 1.5% of GDP annually to safeguard critical infrastructure, defend networks, enhance civil preparedness and resilience, promote innovation and strengthen the defense industrial base. The declaration also states that the allocation and balance of these expenditures will be reviewed in 2029, that allies have maintained their commitments to Ukraine and that direct contributions to Ukraine’s defense will count toward defense spending targets.^【8】

According to a statement from Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications on 24 June 2026, Türkiye will host not only the 32 heads of state and government of NATO member countries, but also a large number of invited leaders, nearly 100 ministers, numerous senior diplomats, representatives of international organizations and thousands of foreign guests. It was also reported that leaders from nine additional countries will attend the summit as guests.^【9】

It was confirmed that all heads of state and government of NATO’s 32 member states, following Sweden’s accession, will meet in Ankara. The main leaders expected to attend include:

• President of the United States Donald Trump
• Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz
• Prime Minister of Hungary Péter Magyar
• President of Poland Karol Nawrocki
• Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre
• Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden
• Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis
• President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kyiv, stated that “Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit in Türkiye.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking to journalists in Toronto on 12 June 2026, described Türkiye as a “remarkably important NATO ally” and a “significant regional power,” and confirmed his attendance at the summit in Ankara on 7–8 July.^【10】

According to an Anadolu Ajansı report on 10 June 2026, participation is also expected from NATO’s partners, including Zelensky and European Union officials, as well as NATO’s Asia-Pacific partners—Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand—and participants from the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative established at the 2004 Istanbul Summit.

The summit’s agenda is expected to include defense spending, the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East security, NATO’s new strategic direction and the balance of U.S.-Europe relations. According to NATO spokesperson Allison Hart, the summit will focus on “how allies are implementing the commitments made at last year’s The Hague Summit, including increasing defense investments, expanding defense industry production and sustaining support for Ukraine.”^【11】

The implementation of the 5% defense spending target adopted at The Hague Summit is emerging as a central agenda item for the Ankara Summit. Currently, only the Baltic states and Poland are close to meeting this target, and it is claimed that the United States accounts for a significant portion of NATO’s total defense spending, which exceeds $1.3 trillion.

According to Anadolu Ajansı, the Trump administration has become more insistent on the long-standing issue of “burden sharing” and has begun speaking of “transferring the burden” from the U.S. to Europe, contributing to tensions in transatlantic relations. At the Ankara Summit, it is expected that the focus will shift to translating these spending increases into concrete military capabilities and urging member states to fulfill their commitments to enhance capacity, innovation and cooperation within their defense industries.

Another key agenda item is the transformation of the alliance, described as “NATO 3.0”. The U.S. administration defines the alliance’s evolution since the Cold War into a global security actor as “NATO 2.0” and now advocates for a new phase, “NATO 3.0”, which resembles the original collective defense focus of “NATO 1.0”. It is claimed that the U.S. wants Europe to lead this new concept, anticipating a reduction in the capabilities and forces it provides to Europe and demanding that European allies assume greater responsibility under the framework of “burden transfer.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking after the Defense Ministers’ meeting in Brussels on 18 June 2026, stated that defense ministers agreed on the new era described by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as “NATO 3.0.” Rutte said: “This alliance is likely undergoing its largest transformation in history to build NATO 3.0, which inevitably means enduring difficult periods. We are passing through a very turbulent time.”^【12】

Continued support for Ukraine is among the summit’s key agenda items. Following the European Union’s agreement, after Hungary lifted its veto, to provide Ukraine with a €9 billion credit for 2026–2027, discussions on support mechanisms are expected at the summit. On 18 June 2026, the NATO Ukraine Defense Contact Group convened during the NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting and announced new support pledges.

Rutte, in his 18 June 2026 statement, highlighted the rapid increase in Russia’s defense spending, noting that nearly 48% of its state budget is allocated to defense, and stressed that the Russian threat must not be underestimated. He pointed out, however, that Russia’s economy is smaller than the combined economies of Belgium and the Netherlands, emphasized NATO’s superior strength and underscored the need to maintain the alliance’s deterrent capability.

Among the regional issues on the agenda, the foremost is the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, which began on 28 February 2026, and the resulting Strait of Hormuz crisis. After the campaign began, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, and the U.S. administration accused its allies of “failing to provide sufficient support,” causing friction in transatlantic relations.

Speaking after the NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting on 18 June 2026, Rutte noted that Iran had moved further away from its nuclear weapons goal than at any time in the past as a result of U.S. actions, adding: “We are all pleased by the possibility of peace that emerged after the agreement between the U.S. and Iran.” He also referred to the initiative led by France and the United Kingdom to reopen the Strait of Hormuz safely, which has received support from over 40 countries, and noted that NATO’s potential role in any operation remains unclear, but that the alliance stands ready to contribute if needed.^【13】

In the period leading up to the summit, the Strait of Hormuz issue became central to tensions between President Trump and his allies. In an interview with the Financial Times on 16 March 2026, Trump warned that if allies did not help open the Strait, NATO would face a “very bad” future. He stated: “If there is no response or a negative response, I think it will be very bad for NATO’s future.” He argued that Europe possesses far more mine countermeasure vessels than the U.S. and should deploy them.

In a statement at the White House on 18 March 2026, Trump accused NATO members of making a “foolish mistake” by refusing to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict with Iran, asserting that the U.S. did not need assistance from its allies. Many allies have adopted a position of non-involvement in the war. French President Emmanuel Macron stated: “We are not a party to the conflict; therefore, France will never participate in any operation to reopen or free the Strait of Hormuz.” EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas said: “This is not Europe’s war. We did not start it. We were not consulted.”

In the period leading up to the Ankara Summit, NATO is preparing to meet amid rising disagreements among members and intensifying transatlantic tensions. The U.S. administration’s insistence on burden sharing, frequent references to the idea of “purchasing” Greenland, and accusations that allies have “failed to provide sufficient support” following the Iran conflict have become prominent points of contention within the alliance.

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on 2 May 2026 that it would withdraw approximately 5,000 troops stationed in Germany within 6 to 12 months. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review of conditions on the ground.^【14】

According to U.S. military data, as of the end of 2025, over 36,400 U.S. troops were stationed in Germany, making it the second-largest U.S. military base outside the United States after Japan.

It is claimed that the direct cause of the decision was remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who expressed doubt that the U.S. could swiftly end its campaign in Iran and stated that “An entire nation (the U.S.) is being humiliated by Iran’s leadership.” In response, Trump posted on social media: “Merz thinks it is no problem that Iran has nuclear weapons. He doesn’t know what he is talking about.” According to TIME magazine, Trump told reporters in Florida that after the 5,000, “We will cut even more. We are cutting far more than 5,000.”^【15】

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described the troop withdrawal decision as “predictable” but added: “The presence of American troops in Europe, especially in Germany, serves the interests of both us and the United States.” He confirmed that 30,000 U.S. troops will remain stationed in Germany despite the withdrawal. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that efforts are underway to understand the details of the U.S.-Germany agreement on military deployments.

The U.S. Congress also reacted to the decision. Chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Mike Rogers, expressed “extreme concern” about the troop withdrawal, warning that the move could send a “wrong signal” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Euronews, a U.S. defense law enacted in 2026 limits the Pentagon’s ability to significantly reduce troop numbers in Europe. Under Section 1249 of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the Pentagon cannot reduce its troop levels in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days unless it documents that the reduction serves U.S. national security interests, consults with NATO allies beforehand and submits a detailed report to Congress.^【16】

The U.S. troop reduction process is not limited to Germany. The Pentagon announced it has reduced the number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) deployed in Europe from four to three, citing this change as the reason for delaying the deployment of 4,000 additional U.S. troops to Poland.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, in a statement in Brussels on 20 May 2026, emphasized that the U.S. troop withdrawal would “have no impact on NATO’s defense plans” and that the process would be gradual and “structured.” Rutte noted that the U.S. should shift more focus toward Asia, while Europe, together with Canada, should assume a larger role.^【17】

Another axis of transatlantic tension is believed to be the disagreement between the U.S. and Spain. Spain hosts some of the most strategically significant U.S. facilities in Europe, including the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base. Spain raised its defense spending to 2% of GDP in 2025 but openly objected to the 5% target adopted at The Hague Summit, arguing that it could meet NATO capability requirements with spending of around 2.1% and secured flexibility from NATO.

Tensions between the U.S. and Spain are said to have deepened after Spain opposed the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez labeled the attacks “illegal,” and Spain refused to allow the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base to be used for operations linked to the conflict, restricting access to its airspace. In March 2026, Trump described Spain as “terrible” at the White House and warned that Washington could reduce commercial ties with Madrid.^【18】

On 21 May 2026, U.S. President Trump announced on Truth Social that, in light of his good relations with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, he had decided to send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland.^. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum 2026 in Prague, welcomed the decision.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasized that the focus should be on NATO’s capabilities rather than troop numbers and expressed confidence that the Ankara Summit would demonstrate unity. When asked what a “good outcome” from the Ankara Summit would look like, Wadephul replied: “A good outcome is when we all recognize that the promises we have made to each other are being fulfilled.”^【19】

In the period leading up to the summit, discussions emerged regarding the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from NATO. According to an Al Jazeera report on 8 April 2026, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran as a “test” of the alliance’s failure, stating, “They were tested and they failed,” in reference to President Trump. The same report indicated that Trump had “discussed” withdrawing from NATO.

A Reuters report on 24 June 2026 claimed that Trump was angry at NATO for its “reluctance to support the U.S. in the Middle East conflict” and for failing to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israel attack on 28 February. The report also suggested that some European countries feared Washington might fully withdraw from the alliance, an extraordinary step that would cast doubt on NATO’s future.

Another source of tension between the U.S. and its allies is the issue of Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark. The U.S. administration’s frequent suggestion to “purchase” Greenland has sparked debate within the alliance.

Defense ministers of NATO countries met on 18 June 2026 at NATO headquarters in Brussels to prepare for the Ankara Summit and to discuss steps to strengthen the alliance’s defense capabilities. In his opening remarks, Mark Rutte said: “This meeting is the final crucial stage before our summit in Ankara in three weeks.” Turkey was represented by National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.^【20】

^{NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting, 18 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Following the meeting, Rutte stated that defense ministers had agreed to accelerate transatlantic defense cooperation. He referred to the six-month “Defense Department Review” announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the opening to assess the deployment of U.S. forces in Europe. Rutte emphasized that the U.S. review of its military presence in Europe does not undermine NATO’s collective defense commitments and that the assumption that all necessary support would be provided under Article 5 of the alliance remains valid.

At the same meeting, members of the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG) convened to address NATO’s nuclear capabilities. Rutte stated: “We will continue to modernize our nuclear capabilities, refine our planning and make necessary adaptations to ensure our nuclear deterrence remains credible and effective.” According to Anadolu Ajansı, U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth sharply criticized some NATO allies over defense spending and left the meeting early; Rutte clarified that Hegseth had attended for approximately two hours and departed only due to a previously scheduled commitment.

^{NATO Defense Ministers’ Meeting, 18 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On 24 June 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. The meeting is said to have aimed at easing tensions over the Iran war and U.S. threats to reduce its military presence in Europe ahead of the July summit. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart stated that Rutte’s visit was part of the final preparations for the 7–8 July summit.^【21】 This was Rutte’s fifth visit to the White House since Trump returned to office last year.

During the joint press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his criticism of NATO allies for not joining the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran. He claimed the U.S. had inflicted a major defeat on Iran within the first week and did not need assistance from allies, but added that it would still be positive if allies offered support. Rutte, at the start of the meeting, presented a series of charts showing increased defense spending among NATO members, affirmed U.S. support for the operation against Iran and argued that Iran remains a threat to the region and the world. Rutte noted that during the six weeks of conflict, 4,000 to 5,000 U.S. aircraft had taken off from European bases, highlighting the role these bases played, and stressed that the issues troubling Trump were isolated cases, not representative of the overall support provided by European allies.^【22】

During the meeting, Trump assessed the U.S.-Iran negotiations and the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, noting that Türkiye had not joined the Iran war and expressing satisfaction with this position. Trump emphasized his intention to attend the Ankara Summit out of respect for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stating: “Erdoğan is a great leader, a very strong person, and his army is amazing. He loves Türkiye and is doing an amazing job. He is a respected man, a respected leader and my friend.”

In response to a question from CNN Türk U.S. Representative Yunus Paksoy regarding the sale of jet engines and F-35s to Türkiye, Trump replied: “I think we will do that. Türkiye is a NATO member. Some people don’t see it that way, but it is. It is a strong member of NATO. Yes, I will probably do something that will make President Erdoğan very happy.”

Trump also commented on Türkiye’s defense industry: “Türkiye has a massive defense industry base. There are 3,000 companies operating throughout the NATO alliance, including in the U.S. It is so strong that people don’t realize how powerful Türkiye is militarily. Thanks to Erdoğan, Türkiye has a very strong military.”^【23】

After the meeting, Rutte told reporters that he and Trump had discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara and the need for increased defense spending by Europe and Canada. Rutte emphasized that NATO members share a common position on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, asserting that Iran’s acquisition of such weapons would constitute a threat to the entire world, and stated: “Iran must not acquire any nuclear weapons capability.” He affirmed that Trump remains committed to NATO and expects allies to increase their defense spending.

Spain, Rutte noted, has committed to meeting NATO’s defense targets and has pledged to raise its defense spending to 2.2% of GDP. However, Rutte said he did not agree with this assessment, arguing that higher defense spending is necessary to meet the targets, and that this disagreement has persisted since last year.

On the same day as the meeting, the leaders of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland met in Berlin to prepare for the Ankara Summit, with Rutte participating remotely. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Ankara Summit should send a message that Europe is prepared to support a potential peace agreement with Iran if conditions arise. French President Emmanuel Macron said that a period of renewed closeness between Europeans and Americans was underway and expressed hope that this trend would continue at the summit.

Before the leaders’ summit, the parliamentary speakers and delegations of NATO member countries will meet in Istanbul on 28–29 June 2026. The NATO Parliamentary Summit, hosted by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, is expected to bring together the speakers and delegation heads of all 32 allied nations, as well as NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) President Marcos Perestrello.

The NATO Speakers’ Summit will be held on Monday, 29 June, at Dolmabahçe Palace. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to meet with participants at the official lunch and deliver a speech. Later that afternoon, participants will visit the Baykar National Technology Center. It is noted that the Istanbul Parliamentary Summit will be the third such summit, following those held in the U.S. and Belgium.^【24】

According to Anadolu Ajansı, Türkiye, which possesses the second-largest military in NATO after the U.S., is using the summit to strengthen its position within the alliance. Türkiye is expected to raise its demands for rejoining the F-35 program, promote its Çelik Kubbe air defense system and highlight its achievements in the defense industry.

Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran met with representatives of newspapers and television channels on 24 June 2026 to assess the summit. Duran noted that NATO is one of the longest-lasting and most institutionalized security alliances since its founding in 1949, adding: “NATO’s distinguishing feature is its ability to renew itself as threats change.”

Duran outlined Türkiye’s evolving role within NATO: “When Türkiye joined NATO in 1952, it was positioned as a frontline country in the alliance’s southeast. Today, that role has changed. Türkiye has moved from the periphery to the center of NATO. Türkiye is no longer merely a country defending NATO’s borders; it is a central ally on nearly every issue concerning NATO.” Duran described the Russia-Ukraine war, developments in Gaza and U.S.-Iran tensions as crises confronting NATO on multiple fronts, and noted that Türkiye’s approach has been to avoid escalating tensions, prevent deepening conflict and open space for diplomacy.

Duran stated that Ankara aims to reach the 3.5%+1.5% defense spending target by the end of 2030. He also noted that the Defense Industry Forum will be included for the first time in the summit’s official program, and that a special session of foreign ministers will be held under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, which was launched in 2004 and includes Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, with the NATO Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Foreign Ministers’ Meeting taking place.

In his assessment of the summit, Duran stated: “The 2026 Ankara Summit is not merely a matter of hosting. It is a diplomatic stage showcasing Türkiye’s rising weight within NATO. The summit will simultaneously highlight Türkiye’s military contribution, defense industry, crisis management capacity and leadership diplomacy.” Duran also noted that Türkiye is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its NATO membership next year.^【25】

In preparation for the summit, security and transportation measures in Ankara have been raised to the highest level. A “red zone” will be implemented around Esenboğa Airport, the summit venue, protocol routes and areas where delegations will be accommodated. The routes between Esenboğa Airport and Etimesgut Airport, the Söğütözü neighborhood where the Presidential Complex is located, the areas surrounding the 15 hotels hosting summit participants and transit corridors will be designated as red zones, with controlled access for vehicles and pedestrians.^【26】

^{In Ankara, preparatory work continues across the city ahead of the NATO Summit on 7–8 July 2026, 23 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

According to the Directorate of Communications’ statement on 24 June 2026, a total of 56,288 security personnel will be deployed, including 48,841 police and 7,447 gendarmerie personnel. Additionally, 639 personnel will conduct uninterrupted cyber patrols to combat cybercrime and security threats.^【27】

For the summit’s security, units specializing in counterterrorism, intelligence, cybercrime, public order, CBRN, traffic, special operations and gendarmerie commandos will be deployed. In addition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s aircraft, other leaders’ planes will land at Etimesgut Airport. A special tour program covering Ankara’s historical and tourist sites will be organized for the spouses of summit participants. According to the Directorate of Communications, three airports—Esenboğa, Mürted and a third designated for summit operations—will provide services to participants.

On 22 June 2026, the Ankara Governor’s Office announced a series of security measures under Article 17 of Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations and Article 11/C of Law No. 5442 on Provincial Administration. Unauthorized vehicles and individuals will be barred from entering designated sensitive areas, including the summit venue, accommodation zones for delegations and transit corridors.

According to the same announcement, all unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, etc.) will be prohibited from flying in Ankara’s airspace without official permission during the summit period. Additionally, gatherings, meetings, demonstrations, press statements, hunger strikes, sit-ins, protests, rallies, stall setups, tent installations, distribution of leaflets, posters or brochures, and hanging banners or posters will be banned from 00:00 on 28 June 2026 to 23:59 on 10 July 2026 (13 days).^【28】

In a circular dated 4 June 2026, signed by Ankara Governor Yakup Canbolat and based on a letter from the Presidency of the Republic, all public institutions and organizations within the districts of Altındağ, Çankaya, Etimesgut, Gölbaşı, Keçiören, Mamak, Pursaklar, Sincan and Yenimahalle were instructed to grant administrative leave to all staff except those assigned to critical services directly related to the summit.

According to the circular, personnel in essential sectors such as healthcare, security, migration, transportation, logistics, the 112 Emergency Call Center, infrastructure, communications, firefighting, emergency response and disaster management will remain on duty. Public institutions and civil society organizations are prohibited from holding public events such as exams, symposiums, panels, graduation ceremonies, festivals, concerts, entertainment or celebrations between 06:00 on Monday, 7 July and 24:00 on Sunday, 12 July. Weddings and similar events outside the designated sensitive areas are exempt from the ban, while those within them require approval from local district governorates.

^{In Ankara, preparatory work continues across the city ahead of the NATO Summit on 7–8 July 2026, 23 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

According to an announcement from the Presidential Library, the library will close at 23:59 on Friday, 3 July, and reopen at 09:00 on Friday, 10 July, due to the summit at the Presidential Complex.

According to the Directorate of Communications, approximately 3,000 journalists, television crews, photo reporters, digital media representatives and international broadcasters have applied for accreditation to cover the summit. The summit will be organized according to a standard template established by the NATO Secretariat; all meetings between leaders will be conducted as closed sessions and managed under NATO’s highest level of confidentiality.

According to the announcement, only a brief video segment will be made available to the media at the beginning of the summit, during which NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will deliver a short statement outlining the summit’s agenda. The Directorate of Communications has established a NATO media task force to manage media and broadcasting activities, accreditation processes, promotional campaigns, crisis communication and public diplomacy. The national broadcaster TRT will broadcast the summit live to the world from 80 cameras at 26 different locations.

According to the Directorate of Communications, numerous side events will be held alongside the 36th NATO Summit. These include the NATO Parliamentary Summit at Dolmabahçe Palace on 28–29 June; the SAM-Chatham House Workshop for permanent representatives and ambassadors in Ankara on 6 July; the “NATO Ankara Summit Dialogues” panel series on 7 July; the SETA-MSC “Allies at Ankara” event and the Transatlantic Political Planners Roundtable on 7–8 July; and the “NATO Allies in Ankara” program, co-organized by the Munich Security Conference and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), at Ankara Palas on 7–8 July.

Prior to the leaders’ summit in Ankara, the NATO Parliamentary Summit was held in Istanbul on 28–29 June 2026, hosted by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. This was the third such summit organized since 2024 in cooperation with host countries by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), following those in Washington and Brussels. The main session took place on Monday 29 June at the Dolmabahçe Palace, closed to the press. The summit was attended by 20 parliamentary presidents, 3 deputy parliamentary presidents, NATO PA President Marcos Perestrello, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, and senior representatives from allied nations. On 28 June, Kurtulmuş held a series of bilateral meetings with NATO PA President Perestrello and parliamentary presidents from Bulgaria, Latvia and Estonia.

^{2026 Istanbul NATO Parliamentary Summit, 29 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Speaking at the opening session, Kurtulmuş noted that the world had entered a multipolar era after the end of unipolarity, emphasizing that NATO remained the world’s most important security umbrella, but that military capability alone was insufficient to resolve the challenges faced. He stated that the alliance must become “an international organization that develops not only security doctrines but also peace doctrines.” Kurtulmuş affirmed Türkiye’s continued support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and its efforts to facilitate peace negotiations as a country that has engaged with both sides since the start of the war. He called for a lasting and just peace between the United States and Iran, and urged an end to Israel’s aggression in Gaza and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. On defense industry matters, he criticized certain allied nations’ embargoes as “highly unilateral, meaningless and contrary to the spirit of the alliance,” and thanked countries including Spain for their support of Türkiye’s air defense system.

NATO PA President Perestrello emphasized that the outcomes of the Ankara summit would largely depend on parliamentary actions, stressing the need for concerted efforts to meet the 2035 targets and sustain support for Ukraine. Shekerinska stated, “Next week the world’s eyes will be on Ankara and all of us,” and noted that allied nations were expected to arrive in Ankara with concrete plans to meet the 5 percent defense spending target, citing ASELSAN as an example. Other parliamentary presidents and delegation representatives highlighted the need to increase defense spending (Lithuania at 5.38 percent, Croatia and Slovakia targeting 5 percent by 2035), sustain support for Ukraine, enhance Europe’s responsibility within the alliance (as noted by North Macedonia’s parliamentary president Afrim Gashi with his assessment of “NATO 3.0”), and reinforce solidarity in the face of the Russian threat.

^{2026 Istanbul NATO Parliamentary Summit, 29 June 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

At the luncheon held in honor of the NATO parliamentary presidents, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that Euro-Atlantic security was passing through a historic turning point, as threats such as war, crisis, terrorism and irregular migration necessitated a redefinition of the security concept. Erdoğan emphasized that events in Gaza and Lebanon had damaged the credibility of international institutions, and noted that in the current geopolitical environment, NATO’s deterrence and solidarity among allies had become more critical. He highlighted that Türkiye, with land borders exceeding 1,800 kilometers from crisis zones, had contributed to the alliance’s security for over 70 years and that the Ankara summit would provide the strongest foundation for sharing experience.

As part of the program, participants visited the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center on the same afternoon.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, held a joint press conference on 1 July 2026 in the capital Berlin with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Merz stated that Germany was preparing for the NATO summit in Ankara and affirmed that Europeans were assuming greater responsibility within NATO, saying, “We are reducing one-sided transatlantic dependencies, and this is the right decision for both sides of the Atlantic under all circumstances.” Merz underscored that as European NATO members, they intended to make new financial commitments to Ukraine, adding, “The future of the Middle East will also be addressed at the NATO summit. We will continue to help secure a lasting peace between the United States and Iran.” He emphasized that the shared objective was to end Iran’s nuclear program and ensure the permanent openness of the Strait of Hormuz.

 ^{German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, 1 July 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Merz stated that Germany viewed itself as on equal footing with the United States, saying, “America is one of NATO’s 32 partners, and we are one of NATO’s 32 partners. (...) You are dependent on us, and we are dependent on you. We share defense capabilities together.” Defense Minister Pistorius noted that German ships prepared for potential mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz were stationed in Djibouti but would not remain there indefinitely. He added that no mine-clearing mission into the Strait was currently planned, and that Iran had rejected such a mission proposed by France.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video message posted on his social media account on 26 June 2026, stated that preparations were ongoing for discussions at the 36th NATO summit in Ankara. He said, “We are preparing for the NATO summit in Ankara and will hold many bilateral meetings. Strengthening our air defense is our top priority.” On the same day, he announced the mutual exchange of 160 prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine.

Romania’s Supreme Defense Council (CSAT), convened under the leadership of President Nicuşor Dan to discuss the NATO summit in Ankara. In a written statement following the meeting, Romania described the summit, to be held on 7–8 July in Ankara, as important in multiple respects, noting that it presented an opportunity to draw allies’ attention to the complex situation in the Black Sea and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the country. The statement highlighted that recent incidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles in Romania would be brought to the summit’s agenda, and emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group established between Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania.

U.S. President Donald Trump, at a political event in North Dakota on 2 July 2026, implied that NATO member Spain had not provided sufficient support for military action against Iran or for alliance obligations, saying, “Spain is a NATO member but not a good NATO member.”

According to a compilation by Anadolu Ajansı based on export data, Türkiye’s defense and aerospace industry exports to NATO countries increased by 47.12 percent compared to the previous year, rising from USD 7 billion 399 million 103 thousand to USD 10 billion 885 million 606 thousand between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026. During this period, defense and aerospace products were exported to 178 countries, with NATO allies occupying the top three positions in country-specific export rankings.

According to the same compilation, exports to NATO member countries during this period reached USD 6 billion 235 million 676 thousand, accounting for 57.28 percent of the sector’s total exports. The increase in export performance was attributed to international engagements and defense industry diplomacy coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB). The sector’s export value per kilogram reached USD 65.16; considering that Türkiye’s overall export value per kilogram averaged USD 1.62, the defense and aerospace industry was noted to have an export value per kilogram approximately 40 times higher.

Ankara Police Deputy Director Arif Hakan Tandoğan, in a statement on 1 July 2026 at the Ankara Police Directorate’s Urban Security Management System (KGYS) Center, announced that approximately 56,000 security personnel, including nearly 49,000 police force members and nearly 7,000 gendarmerie personnel, would be deployed for summit-related measures. Tandoğan noted that by that date, nearly 900 shock operations had been conducted, crisis centers established, and surveillance cameras, body-worn cameras and facial recognition systems upgraded to enable semi- and fully AI-assisted analysis. Tandoğan emphasized that daily life in the city would continue normally, urging citizens not to believe false information and rumors circulating on social media, and to report concerns to the emergency hotline 112.

^{Ankara Provincial Police Director Maksut Yüksek coordinating and evaluating security measures with provincial police directors for the 36th NATO Summit, 4 July 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Traffic Control Branch Director Sevil Atasoy stated that all traffic measures had been implemented within the city and along surrounding routes, with roads closed only briefly during leaders’ movements and alternative routes provided. She confirmed that no restrictions were imposed on intercity buses or pedestrian movement, and that control checkpoints had been established at city entrances. Ankara Provincial Police Directorate also organized in-service coordination training for traffic personnel deployed to Ankara from other provinces for summit duties.

Ankara Provincial Police Director Maksut Yüksek held a coordination and evaluation meeting with provincial police directors on 4 July 2026 regarding security measures to be implemented across the province for the 36th NATO Summit. The meeting comprehensively reviewed security measures taken prior to the summit, field operations, duty planning and inter-unit coordination processes.

The Ankara Governorship announced on 26 June 2026 that planning had been completed to ensure effective security and traffic flow during the summit scheduled for 7–8 July. The announcement stated that no restrictions would be imposed on pedestrians, and that no restrictions were planned for bus and minibus services except on roads fully closed to traffic. Metro and Ankaray services would continue, with the exception of temporary suspension of boarding and alighting at Ankaray Bahçelievler station and Söğütözü metro station during the summit. Citizens using vehicles were advised to follow the map provided by the Presidency of Communications at harita.iletisim.gov.tr.

^{Traffic regulation for the NATO Ankara Summit – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On 2 July 2026, the Ankara Governorship announced additional traffic measures in accordance with a decision by the Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME). Accordingly, from 6 to 9 July, routes originating from Esenboğa Airport and Ankara (Etimesgut) Airport, as well as the summit venue and hotels where delegations would stay, were closed to scooter-type vehicles and motorcycle couriers. It was announced that fuel tankers, concrete mixers, tow trucks and other heavy vehicles would be prohibited from entering the city from 16:00 on 5 July to 10:00 on 10 July. Specific alternative routes were designated for trucks carrying food, medicine and perishable emergency supplies between 00:00 on 6 July and 05:00 on 9 July.

^{Mounted police units on duty in Ankara, 3 July 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Security measures for the summit in Ankara were carried out with the participation of various units. Twenty-two mounted police horses, alongside traffic and water police teams, conducted patrols in Başkent Millet Bahçesi; it was announced that mounted police patrols along designated routes would continue until 8 July.

As part of the city’s preparations, taxi drivers also participated in the effort. TŞOF General President Mehmet Yiğiner stated that drivers had prepared themselves to represent the country in the best possible manner, noting that taxi drivers would wear gray trousers and white shirts and offer Turkish sweets, cologne and cold water to foreign guests as a gesture of Turkish culture.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will meet with 32 heads of state and government at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on 7–8 July during the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government. The leaders Erdoğan will meet include US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Council of Europe President Antonio Costa.

^{Lighting of Atakule for the NATO Summit - (Anadolu Agency)}" image-element-format="left" image-height="2389" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/07/06/XC8haYKoE3bMwwNLKExy7GULqa0NAOOY.jpg" image-width="3572">

According to the announced program, President Erdoğan is expected to hold a one-on-one meeting and a joint press conference with US President Trump on 7 July. On the evening of 7 July, President Erdoğan and his wife Emine Erdoğan will host a dinner at the Presidential Complex in honor of the heads of state and government and their spouses. It has been reported that on 8 July, President Erdoğan will greet the leaders upon their arrival, followed by a family photo session; after the opening address by NATO Secretary General Rutte, President Erdoğan and the leaders will deliver speeches. After the summit, it was stated that President Erdoğan will hold separate press conferences with US President Trump and several other leaders at the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall.

The summit will assess the steps taken to increase defense investments and evaluate the alliance’s deterrence and defense efforts from a 360-degree perspective. Leaders will engage in strategic exchanges on threats, risks and challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic region. The situation in Ukraine and recent developments in the alliance’s southern flank will also be addressed. The summit will be attended by the 32 heads of state and government of NATO member countries, as well as nearly 100 ministers, numerous senior diplomats, representatives of international organizations and guests.

On the day before the summit, 6 July 2026, it was announced that all preparations at the Presidential Complex, from security to logistics and from communications to technology, have been completed. The complex, which will host the 32 member states’ heads of state and government, thousands of diplomats, journalists and guests over two days, has been equipped with state-of-the-art communication infrastructure for meeting halls, bilateral discussion areas and venues for joint press conferences. It was announced that Esenboğa, Ankara and Mürted airports will serve participants of the summit.

Police, gendarmerie and relevant security units will coordinate their operations around the Presidential Complex; additional measures will be implemented for airspace, land transport and critical locations. The summit venues include the Presidential Complex, Ankara Airport, Ay Yıldız Headquarters, ATO Congresium and Ankara Palas.

The International Media Center established at the Presidential National Library has begun operations with the necessary technical equipment for broadcasting and news flow. It was reported that 1,800 workstations have been prepared, 40 editing rooms, and over 100 live broadcast points, 54 of which are fixed. The center will host 11 press conference halls, the largest of which can accommodate 500 people. A media workforce of 850 personnel has been assembled in Ankara for the summit. The national broadcaster TRT will conduct broadcasts from 26 locations using 96 cameras and 18 live broadcast vehicles. Thousands of staff will be deployed for protocol, security, health, transportation, logistics, translation and technical support services.

In cooperation with the Presidency of Communications, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), the “Allies in Ankara” program will be organized alongside the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government. This complementary event, to be held over two days at Ankara Palas, will feature 45 side events with participation from senior state representatives, decision-makers and local and international stakeholders. Panel discussions, roundtable meetings, policy dialogues and thematic sessions will address current security issues including NATO’s deterrence and defense capacity, European security architecture, transatlantic relations, defense industry and technologies, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, protection of critical infrastructure, the security dimension of the war in Ukraine, and developments in the Black Sea, Baltic, Middle East, Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions.

Presidency of Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, in his remarks on the program, emphasized its complementary nature to the official summit agenda and stated: “During this event, senior state representatives, decision-makers, think tanks and international stakeholders will gather in Ankara. Over two days, panel discussions, policy dialogues, roundtable meetings and thematic sessions will comprehensively examine the most critical items on the global security agenda. (...) ‘Allies in Ankara’ will further strengthen Ankara’s position as one of the leading centers for international dialogue, strategic consultation and multilateral cooperation in the fields of security, defense and foreign policy.”

Other side events scheduled around the summit have also been announced. On 6 July, an informal reception will be held for allied permanent representatives and ambassadors resident in Ankara, alongside the SAM-Chatham House Workshop. On 7 July, a series of panels titled “NATO Ankara Summit Dialogues” will take place. From 7 to 8 July, the SETA-MSC “Allies at Ankara” event and the “Transatlantic Policy Planners Roundtable” will be held. Additionally, for the first time, the Defense Industry Forum, previously designed as a NATO side event, will become part of the official summit program. A special session at the level of foreign ministers will be held under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, launched in Istanbul in 2004 and including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to NATO member states, participation is expected from the four AP4 countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Mark von der Leyen co-authored a joint article in the British magazine The Economist ahead of the Ankara Summit. In the article titled “What Europe and NATO Must Do to Prepare for War”, they recalled how during the Cold War Europe relied on US protection under NATO, reduced defense budgets and depended on the United States for capabilities it needed. They emphasized that today’s global conditions have rendered this mindset obsolete and that allies must relearn the necessity of being prepared for war.

The article noted that European countries have re-armed their defense industrial base, increased defense spending and production, opened new factories and accelerated innovation in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles and electronic warfare systems. Despite these developments, it was stated that gaps in defense capabilities still remain, with the assessment that “NATO allies and EU member states need more fighter jets, air-to-air refueling tankers, ships and submarines, air and missile defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle systems.” The article pointed out that stockpiles of aid provided to Ukraine have been depleted and highlighted that Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are rapidly deepening their defense capabilities and cooperation. It stressed the need for collaboration, concluding: “When we bring together our presence, expertise and innovative capabilities across the geography stretching from California to Kyiv, Copenhagen to Warsaw, and Oslo to Ankara, our defense is unmatched.”

class=\

The General Directorate of Mint and Printing has issued a special 5 lira commemorative coin for circulation to mark the 36th NATO Summit held in Ankara. The commemorative coin, struck on the existing bimetallic 5 lira coin, features the NATO logo, the location and date of the summit, and a graphic image of the Presidential Complex on the reverse side, while the obverse retains the current design of the 5 lira coin in circulation. Initially, 100,000 coins were minted, with an additional 400,000 planned for production during the summit, bringing the total projected output to 500,000 coins.

The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Ankara, commenced on 7 July 2026 with the Defence Industry Forum, which placed transatlantic defence production and investment at the forefront. A bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress also participated in the Defence Industry Forum held within the framework of the summit.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Ankara on the morning of 7 July 2026 to attend the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government. His aircraft landed at Ankara Airport, where he and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, were welcomed by Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek and other officials.

^{Before the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Ankara, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney at Ankara Airport, 7 July 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan stated that the Ankara Summit would contribute to shaping the future of the Alliance and adapting its structures to an increasingly complex security environment. Fidan remarked on the summit: “The Ankara Summit will serve as a guide for the Alliance to align its structures with the world it faces. Turkey’s objective is clear: a more consistent, more capable and more resilient Alliance.” In a post on the social media platform X, Fidan added: “The stage is set in Ankara. Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey is ready to host NATO members at this pivotal moment that will define the future of the Alliance.”

Speaking at an event in Ankara titled “European Security After the Ankara Summit: Strengthening Cooperation Among NATO Allies Across Europe,” jointly organized by the Strategic Research Centre (SAM) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chatham House, Fidan emphasized that European security cannot be reduced solely to the European Union and requires a broader approach. He highlighted Türkiye’s central role in the continent’s security architecture. According to diplomatic sources, Fidan underscored that NATO must focus not only on responding to current threats but also on building long-term strategic capacity.

Prior to the summit, Fidan received a bipartisan delegation of U.S. members of Congress in Ankara. The delegation included Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group and Senior Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, along with Senators Chris Coons, Dick Durbin and Mike Rounds, and Representative Mike Turner.

Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler, in his speech at the “NATO Allies in Ankara” event, welcomed the strengthened commitment among NATO allies to increase defence spending but emphasized that rising budgets must be translated into tangible military capabilities, trained personnel, and resilient defence industries. Güler stated that increasing defence expenditures is important, but that spending alone does not generate deterrence. Regarding Europe’s contribution to defence, he said: “We welcome Europe’s stronger contribution to defence. However, this contribution must not compete with NATO; it must strengthen NATO.”

^{As part of the NATO Summit, the "Allies in Ankara" program, July 7, 2026 (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Director of Communications at the Presidency Burhanettin Duran stated that Türkiye serves as a bridge “between the West and the West” through its diplomatic reach and capacity to reduce tensions. Duran noted that the 2004 Istanbul Summit, held 22 years ago, marked NATO’s transformation from a Cold War-era defence alliance into a broader security actor, and observed that the dynamics of the international system and the challenges faced in 2004 were fundamentally different from those encountered today.

On the second day of the summit, renewed tensions between the United States and Iran overnight came to the fore. The United States announced it had launched “a series of strong strikes” against Iran, citing its targeting of commercial vessels, and reported striking more than 80 targets within Iran. According to reports in the U.S. media, Iran had fired missiles at two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz; the United States also revoked a temporary license permitting the sale of Iranian oil. Explosions were reported in the southern Iranian cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Bushehr.

Iran declared that the United States had violated the agreement signed between the two countries and would be held responsible for the consequences. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the U.S. strikes had invalidated the core provisions of the agreement. The Iranian military declared that the only safe passage route in the Strait of Hormuz was the one designated by Iran and claimed that 85 U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait had been targeted. According to Iranian sources, in the U.S. attacks against southern Iran, one civilian and one soldier in Khuzestan were killed, and two military command centers in Bushehr were hit. Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran was not at peace with the United States. The European Union said the attacks between the United States and Iran had made negotiations more complex.

U.S. President Donald Trump held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the second day of the summit at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. Regarding theU.S.-Iran agreement, Trump said, “(The agreement with Iran) Is over for me. I no longer want to reach an understanding with them.” He used derogatory remarks toward the Iranian leadership, asserting that if they possessed nuclear weapons they would use them. Trump indicated he would speak with U.S. negotiators but argued that negotiations with Iran were a “waste of time.”

At the press conference, NATO Secretary General Rutte, referring to the U.S. nighttime strikes against Iran, said, “What you did last night was certainly necessary.” Trump stated that Iran could talk but had wasted its time and reiterated that the ceasefire had ended. The U.S. President also announced he would completely halt trade with Spain, labeling Spain a “bad partner” within NATO; he argued that Greenland should not be returned to Denmark, asserting that the region was vital for “the protection of the world” and that the United States needed it.

Expressing dissatisfaction with NATO on the issue of Greenland, Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as “magnificent,” recalled the warm reception he received in Türkiye, and assessed the Ankara summit as “very successful” and a “magnificent meeting.”

Before the main session bringing together heads of state and government at the “North Atlantic Council Meeting,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made remarks. Rutte thanked President Erdoğan, the Government of Türkiye and the people of Ankara, emphasizing that the 2025 Hague Summithad focused on planning and goal-setting, while the Ankara Summit was about implementing those goals; he described the first day of the summit as a “great success,” noting the announcement of numerous new agreements and commitments. Rutte stated that NATO members had reached 4 percent of GDP in defense spending in 2026, in line with the 5 percent target, attributing this to both the threat from Russia and the encouragement of U.S. President Trump toward European allies and Canada, adding, “As a result, we are seeing a much stronger NATO and within it, a much stronger Europe.”

Rutte indicated he expected allies to reaffirm two key principles during today’s session: “First, Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons capability. Second, the principle of freedom of navigation. The Strait of Hormuz must be fully reopened, which is of strategic importance.” He stated he expected the final declaration to clearly record Russia as a long-term threat to NATO territory and anticipated allies renewing their multi-year commitments to Ukraine. Emphasizing that U.S. commitment to NATO was firm and that the alliance was necessary for U.S. interests, Rutte told Russian President Vladimir Putin, “This alliance will defend every single centimeter of our territory. You cannot defeat NATO. (…) Do not mess with us.” Rutte also noted that allies must prevent Russia and China from gaining greater access to the Arctic; regarding Greenland, he said NATO had conducted a “good process.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked President Erdoğan for his hospitality, noting that decisions made in The Hague were being upheld and defense efforts significantly increased; he said NATO would become “more European” to remain transatlantic, citing the submarine cooperation between Germany, Norway and Canada as an example. “I am confident that from Ankara we will create a new spirit making NATO stronger and more united,” said Merz, adding that Europe had launched a joint initiative to provide Ukraine with 7 billion euros annually in 2026 and 2027, concluding, “Russia has no chance of winning this war.”

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever identified three key priorities of the summit: increasing defense spending, strengthening the defense industry and sustaining support for Ukraine. He noted that his country had increased defense spending by 60 percent compared to the previous year, the highest rise among EU countries. De Wever stated that increasing military support to Ukraine would be a “point of no return” for Putin, and while acknowledging that Iran would be discussed, he emphasized it was not a NATO matter. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed that amid the shadow of conflict in Ukraine and developments in the Strait of Hormuz, allies must act with unity and resolve, saying, “In such a moment, it is of utmost importance that we, as leaders, demonstrate NATO’s unity and strength.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that European allies were now assuming greater responsibility for Europe’s security, stating that Sweden aimed to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2030 and that continued strong support for Ukraine was among its top priorities. He announced Sweden would supply Ukraine with new-generation “Gripen E” fighter jets and donate second-hand combat aircraft.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed progress toward the 5 percent target set in The Hague and pledged continued support for Ukraine, stating that Europe was spending more intelligently and that Norway’s largest investment was in its navy.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and said issues relating to Greenland were “entirely in the hands of the Kingdom of Denmark.” He stressed the need to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles and air defense systems but expressed little optimism that concrete outcomes would be achieved at today’s summit.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki described U.S. President Trump as a “great friend” of Poland and the “backbone and pillar” of NATO, stating that Poland sought to establish a permanent base for American troops on its territory and emphasized that Russia was the primary threat.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said allies must increase defense spending, adding, “I know NATO works — there are maritime operations, air policing — today’s summit will turn this into air defense.”

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda highlighted the importance of support for Ukraine and emphasized the collective defense principle (Article 5), saying, “If we leave no doubt about Article 5, Russia will not test it.” He also stated that Lithuania was prepared to send mine-clearing teams to the Strait of Hormuz if needed.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten noted that his country had tripled its defense spending and that numerous military cooperation agreements had been signed among European allies in recent days; Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden said, “Together we are stronger,” and argued that every NATO member should specialize in a specific area; North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova stated, “The strongest Europe is the one that lives in peace and democracy based on principles and values.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized the importance of maritime security for his country, saying, “The territorial integrity of any NATO member state is not subject to debate. Of course, Denmark is included.” He underscored solidarity with Copenhagen.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that his country was implementing a 25 billion euro modernization program for its armed forces and affirmed that he had always been a supporter of improving relations with Türkiye. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar stated that Hungary would reach the 5 percent target by 2035, affirmed Ukraine’s right to defend its territorial integrity but noted Hungary would not send weapons or troops to Ukraine.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the 5 percent target for Bulgaria included investments in infrastructure, digital resilience and cybersecurity, and stressed that financial support for Ukraine must not undermine social spending. On Greenland, he stated that Europe must enable the Greenlandic people to determine their own future. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the importance of Europe’s rearmament, saying, “Greenland is certainly not for sale,” and affirmed that NATO was prepared to defend every centimeter of its territory, including Greenland, calling Article 5 “our insurance.” Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir used the phrase, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people,” and emphasized that focus should remain on the Russian threat rather than on Greenland debates.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney used the phrase “Russia is a direct threat” at a summit convened as warfare rapidly changes with hypersonic missiles and autonomous combat technologies. He noted that the burden-sharing within the alliance had shifted from the United States to Canada and Europe, and announced that Canada would raise its defense spending from 1.5 percent of GDP to 4 percent over the next two years. Carney said he had met with U.S. President Trump before arriving in Ankara and accused Iran of acting “irresponsibly” by targeting sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara arrived in Ankara on an official visit as part of the 36th NATO Summit and was greeted at Esenboğa Airport by Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and other officials. U.S. President Trump is expected to meet with Shara later today.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan held a series of bilateral meetings on the second day of the summit. Fidan met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the summit and also held talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban. It was reported that Fidan participated in a limited-format meeting and NATO sessions held during the summit.

On the second day of the summit, the United States, Japan and South Korea signed a cooperation agreement on deploying small modular reactors (SMRs). South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for faster cooperation in defense forums. Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Erdoğan, said she hoped the summit would advance dialogue and consensus.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler hosted defense ministers of NATO member states at a new-generation military command center; National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalın stated that equal partnership and complementarity were critical for NATO.

U.S. President Donald Trump held a press conference at the Presidential Complex following the summit. Expressing gratitude to host President Erdoğan, Trump said, “I have just completed an extremely successful NATO Summit in Türkiye. I want to thank President Erdoğan—he is an incredible person, President Erdoğan is a fantastic leader, a long-time friend of mine, and a very strong leader. He has an extraordinary personality, which is why he is able to lead such a successful and great country.”

Emphasizing Türkiye’s strong military, Trump praised Ankara’s airport terminal, stating that Erdoğan had “done an amazing job.” Regarding the atmosphere at the summit, Trump said, “There was a tremendous spirit of unity in the room.” and “It was a very successful summit.” He described the unity in the hall as “incredible,” and in his English remarks, noted the presence of “immense love and solidarity” toward him and his country, adding that other leaders were “people with good hearts and sharp minds.”

Trump underscored that the United States contributes the most to NATO, stating, “We have invested one trillion dollars in our armed forces and are now seeking $1.5 trillion from Congress.” He called on all nations to rapidly increase their defense commitments. Trump also noted that he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara in Ankara, praising al-Shara for “doing an excellent job in bringing Syria together.”

When asked whether he discussed the F-35 fighter jets with President Erdoğan, Trump said he has “wonderful relations” with Türkiye and that the decision rests with Ankara, adding, “(Erdoğan) has become an excellent ally. Türkiye is a very large country. Militarily, it is very strong. It is the second strongest country in NATO.”

Trump devoted a major portion of the press conference to Iran, describing the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran as the beginning of a war that Tehran’s leadership has labeled as “nuclear disarmament” and a “major military success.” He argued that oil prices have fallen and Iran’s military power has been depleted, saying, “Their capacity to fight is now very low. They have very few missiles left.” In response to a journalist’s comment that “war with Iran appears to be restarting,” Trump said, “I don’t think it will restart. I think it will move very quickly. They fired a few ships, we fired back harder. When they fire, we fire ten times harder. We have better equipment.” He added, “They want to make a deal but don’t know how, then they go out at night and attack ships.” Trump labeled Iran’s leadership as “a bit crazy” and stated, “I am not sure I want to make a deal with Iran.”

In his remarks on Iran, Trump used harsh language, asserting that “Iran is ruled by sick, cruel, and violent people” and that they would use nuclear weapons if they had them. Trump claimed the blockade at the Hormuz Strait has “worked,” and said any potential rise in oil prices would “end very quickly.”

Addressing claims that he would not depart Ankara on the new Air Force One aircraft due to security concerns regarding Iran, Trump noted that a president’s life is very “dangerous,” saying, “I am number one on Iran’s kill list.” He added, “When they fire, we fire. We speak their language. I believe anything that happens will end very quickly.”

The aircraft carrying Trump departed Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport at 20:41 after the press conference, bound for Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, USA.

On his return from Ankara, U.S. President Trump announced he would fly back on the old Air Force One aircraft instead of the new one gifted by Qatar. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would send the new aircraft to Mildenhall Air Base in the United Kingdom, where soldiers would have the “opportunity to tour it,” and that he was returning on the old plane “in honor of the good old days.”

According to AFP, this change sparked speculation, particularly after Trump’s new threats against Iran, that the new aircraft might lack sufficient security features. Trump did not directly respond to questions about whether the change was motivated by security concerns related to Iran.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in a closed-door working dinner with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of the summit. According to the Presidency of Communications, the meeting addressed Türkiye-EU relations as well as regional and global issues. President Erdoğan noted his satisfaction with the increasing contacts at all levels, stating that Türkiye’s expectation is the revitalization of its EU membership process and that the relevant mechanisms must be activated. Erdoğan highlighted that Türkiye has been a candidate for EU membership for years and a member of the Customs Union, and has become a major production hub in Europe; he emphasized that it is natural to expect EU regulations on trade and investment to include Türkiye, and that Türkiye is making efforts to contribute to European security and expects NATO allies to take steps consistent with NATO’s mutual defense obligations. The meeting also addressed Türkiye’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict, U.S.-Iran tensions, and Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Lebanon.

European Commission President von der Leyen also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the summit. In a social media post, von der Leyen affirmed the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s air defense, noting that additional support to strengthen air defense and missile interception capabilities is “on the way.” She stated that efforts are underway to integrate defense industries to enable rapid and serial production. She also said the meeting addressed preparations for the winter season, and reaffirmed that the joint ultimate goal is “a free and sovereign Ukraine within the EU,” to be achieved by progressively opening negotiation chapters.

The family photo taken at the summit was printed, framed, and signed sequentially by all leaders, with the final signature applied by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

In a social media post, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the summit held in Ankara on July 7–8 had been successfully completed, adding, “The participation of all allies’ leaders at the highest level at this historic summit is a sign of the trust placed in our country and our President.” Fidan expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan for his vision and leadership in enabling Türkiye to host the NATO Summit for the first time in 22 years, and emphasized that “the foundations for a stronger NATO and a stronger Europe within the framework of NATO 3.0 have been laid.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “NATO emerged from this summit stronger and more united.” He noted that the UK has doubled its defense spending over the past two years and that its nuclear capabilities are ready to contribute to all allies. Addressing criticisms from U.S. President Trump, Starmer said, “We always get along well. (...) The strategic alliance between the U.S. and the UK is of great importance.” On Iran, he stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire, stability, and the opening of the Hormuz Strait. Starmer, who resigned as Labour Party leader last month and will step down from office in September, added that this was his final international summit as prime minister.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that European countries must assume greater responsibility in sharing the burden of NATO’s unity, and noted that Greece has exceeded its target of allocating 3.5% of its GDP to defense in 2026.

In response to a question about Türkiye’s possible acquisition of F-35s from the U.S., Mitsotakis replied, “It is not my job to interpret other countries’ decisions. Greece will not tell the U.S. whom to sell defense systems to.” He added, “Türkiye has organized an outstanding NATO Summit. I will continue to build a constructive relationship with President Erdoğan.”

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten described the summit in Ankara as “a very good summit,” and thanked Türkiye for its hospitality. He noted that the Netherlands has tripled its defense spending in recent years and has legally enshrined the 3.5% GDP target. Jetten emphasized that Türkiye is one of NATO’s most important allies and possesses a “very strong military,” and called for exploring cooperation opportunities between Dutch companies and major Turkish manufacturers to increase production capacity in Europe. He identified “the Russian threat” as the region’s greatest danger and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said after the summit that NATO is “united, strong, and determined to defend its values.” He emphasized that leaders viewed Russia as the fundamental and long-term threat to NATO and affirmed that the U.S. is Poland’s strategic ally, concluding, “We leave the summit with the conviction that the Euro-Atlantic bond is at a very high level today.” Nawrocki also met with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy during the summit but noted that historical issues such as the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Volhynia massacres are “non-negotiable” from Poland’s perspective. It was recalled that Zelenskiy’s decision to award the honorary title “Heroes of the UPA” to Ukrainian forces fighting Russia had drawn criticism in Poland, leading Nawrocki to rescind the “White Eagle” order awarded to Zelenskiy in 2023.

In a written statement from the Italian Prime Minister’s Office, it was stated that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated President Erdoğan for the summit’s “extremely successful outcomes,” reaffirming the shared commitment to the unity of the Atlantic Alliance and the security of the transatlantic region. The statement noted that the leaders reiterated their joint will to strengthen trade and mutual investment in strategic sectors such as defense industry and space. They discussed issues including Ukraine, the Middle East, Iran, and Libya, and agreed to enhance cooperation in combating irregular migration and human trafficking, particularly regarding Libya.

The 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Türkiye for the second time since the 2004 Istanbul Summit, convened amid intensified debates on NATO’s transformation and rising tensions between the U.S. and its allies. Following the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the message from Ankara was clear: “NATO is delivering results.” He described the essence of NATO 3.0 as “a better rebalancing of security.” According to NATO’s official assessment, the summit’s primary objectives were to implement the commitments made at the 2025 The Hague Summit: increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, boosting defense industry production, and sustaining support for Ukraine.

Concrete outcomes of the summit included: over $50 billion in new procurement agreements announced under the Defense Industry Forum; the “Industry-NATO Cooperation Strategy” and the “NATO Innovation Scaling Package,” along with the “NATO Drone Edge” initiative, aimed at strengthening the alliance’s industrial base; a $27 billion investment to modernize NATO’s fuel supply chain; and a commitment of at least €70 billion annually in support for Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. The summit also reaffirmed unwavering commitment to collective defense and Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. However, NATO data indicated that only five of the alliance’s 32 members are projected to meet the 3.5% GDP defense spending target in 2026.

In addition to the main agenda items, the second night of the summit was dominated by the U.S.’s renewed attacks on Iran and President Trump’s remarks regarding Iran, Spain, and Greenland. International media characterized the summit as one where defense budgets and support for Ukraine were highlighted, yet overshadowed by U.S.-Iran tensions and the Greenland debate. Host President Erdoğan described the summit as “historic,” while NATO Secretary General Rutte observed “an immense sense of unity” among the 32 leaders present. Rutte announced that the next NATO Summit will be held in Albania.