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NATO leaders to affirm 'ironclad commitment' at Ankara summit: Report

Soldiers stand guard at Ay Yildiz Joint Headquarters, which brings together the General Staff and the Army, Navy, and Air Force commands under one roof, in Ankara, Türkiye, July 2, 2026. (AA Photo)
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Soldiers stand guard at Ay Yildiz Joint Headquarters, which brings together the General Staff and the Army, Navy, and Air Force commands under one roof, in Ankara, Türkiye, July 2, 2026. (AA Photo)
July 03, 2026 06:45 PM GMT+03:00

NATO leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, are set to affirm an "ironclad commitment" to collective defense under Article 5 of the alliance's founding treaty at next week's summit in Ankara, according to a text approved by NATO ambassadors Friday and reportedly reviewed by Reuters.

The summit declaration, which still requires final approval from leaders, says NATO members will also pledge €70 billion, or $80 billion, in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026 and "at least equivalent levels" of support in 2027.

"We ... have gathered in Ankara to reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our collective defence under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and to the transatlantic bond. An attack on one is an attack on all," the declaration says.

The NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7 and 8.

A view of Ay Yildiz Joint Headquarters, which brings together the General Staff and the Army, Navy, and Air Force commands under one roof, in Ankara, Türkiye, July 2, 2026. (AA Photo)
A view of Ay Yildiz Joint Headquarters, which brings together the General Staff and the Army, Navy, and Air Force commands under one roof, in Ankara, Türkiye, July 2, 2026. (AA Photo)

Summit text reaffirms Article 5 commitment

The declaration was approved by ambassadors from all 32 NATO members, including the United States.

Trump has frequently criticized NATO and its members, accusing them of not spending enough on defense and relying on the United States to protect Europe.

After clashing with European leaders over the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, Trump cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to NATO's mutual defense pact and said he was considering leaving the alliance.

However, the approved text suggests the U.S. president is willing to set aside those ideas, at least for now.

NATO members to pledge Ukraine military aid

NATO members are expected to pledge €70 billion in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026, according to the declaration.

The text also says allies are set to provide "at least equivalent levels" of support in 2027.

The declaration describes Russia as "a long-term threat" to "Euro-Atlantic security and stability."

It also says NATO's European members and Canada are delivering on their commitment at last year's summit in The Hague to increase defense spending.

"We are building the future: a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO," the text says.

"European Allies and Canada, working with the United States, are assuming greater responsibility for the Alliance's defence," it adds.

Billboards bearing the slogans “Key to Peace,” “Key to Security,” and “Shared Future in Peace” are seen at various points ahead of the NATO Summit, in Ankara, TÜrkiye, June 25, 2026. (AA Photo)
Billboards bearing the slogans “Key to Peace,” “Key to Security,” and “Shared Future in Peace” are seen at various points ahead of the NATO Summit, in Ankara, TÜrkiye, June 25, 2026. (AA Photo)

Allies call on Iran over nuclear weapons, Hormuz

The declaration also addresses Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

"Allies reiterate that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and call on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," the text says.

The summit in Ankara is expected to bring together NATO leaders for discussions on collective defense, Ukraine support, defense spending and wider security issues facing the alliance.

July 03, 2026 06:46 PM GMT+03:00
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