ANKARA, Türkiye – NATO leaders are preparing to announce a unified position asserting that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. They also call on Tehran to fully commit to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to what was included in the draft final statement of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
A unified stance towards Iran
The draft statement includes an emphasis on the rejection of Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons, in addition to stressing the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes in light of continued international interest in the security of vital sea lanes in the region.
This position comes within the agenda of the summit, which will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday, with the participation of leaders of NATO member states.
Boosting defense spending
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the summit will see European countries announce their commitment to increasing defense spending. This aims to strengthen deterrence capabilities in the face of security challenges. He also noted the signing of arms deals worth billions of dollars.
The leaders will also discuss ways to enhance the alliance’s military capabilities in light of rapidly evolving security circumstances.
Support for Ukraine and bilateral meetings
NATO leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine by funding arms supplies. This comes as the alliance confronts Russian military operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
He will also hold a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, amid European efforts to contain divisions within the alliance and maintain unity among its members.
