The NATO summit is scheduled to take place at The Hague in the Netherlands from June 24-25, where various defensive topics are anticipated to be discussed. These include increasing national defense spending, support for Ukraine, new threats from Iran, and interactions with the U.S. under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
This marks the president’s first transatlantic summit since his return to the White House in January, and Trump is expected to be the center of attention. In the past, he hasn’t hesitated to have tense moments with U.S. allies at NATO gatherings.
In light of Saturday’s U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the Islamic Republic of Iran is projected to be a significant focus of discussion during the summit.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
SPENDING
UKRAINE
IRAN, RUSSIA, CHINA
China, while it claims neutrality in the war, has staunchly supplied Russia with electronic components critical to modern warfare. Iran has supplied drones and technical know-how, while North Korea has not only provided munitions and military equipment, but boots on the ground for the war.
While China and Russia have repeatedly committed their partnership as united against the West, North Korea has become increasingly emboldened and been provided technical know-how for missile development in exchange for its support, which poses a significant threat to not only partners in the East, but Western interests.
Rough warned that “Russian President Vladimir Putin remains implacably opposed to the U.S.-European partnership, which he seeks to undermine at every opportunity.”
Additionally, Rough, citing U.S. military officials in Europe, said it would be a mistake to remove U.S. troops from Europe amid these increasingly united threats against the West.
Troop agreements, collective defense and U.S. involvement in deterring Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are all expected to be a major point of discussion.
