US President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO allies during a summit in Ankara on July 8, 2026, amid escalating tensions following a conflict flareup between US and Iranian forces. Trump declared the Iran ceasefire "over" and condemned NATO members for not supporting his campaign against Tehran.

He reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark, calling European resistance to this stance a "big problem." Trump stated, "I'm very upset with NATO.. because of what they did with Greenland, and.. because of the fact that they didn't want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror, that's Iran."

Trump also targeted Spain, labeling it a "terrible partner in NATO" and declaring, "We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore," urging Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to "cut it off," referencing disputes over Madrid's defense spending.

Despite these criticisms, Trump offered positive news for Turkey's President Erdogan, indicating he would consider selling Turkey F-35 fighter jets and rolling back US sanctions. Ankara had been removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing a Russian defense system and has sought to regain access and have sanctions lifted.

The summit occurred a day after Syrian President hosted French President Emmanuel Macron for a landmark state visit, overshadowed by twin bomb attacks in Damascus that wounded 18.

Trump also mentioned an upcoming meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying, "I think they both want to make a deal."

Sources