Trump rattles NATO summit with attacks on Spain, Iran ceasefire and Greenland
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump shifted focus from allied unity by attacking Spain, dismissing the Iran ceasefire and again seeking US control of Greenland. His remarks drew responses from Spain and Denmark and added to tensions within the alliance.
ANKARA: A NATO summit meant to highlight allied cohesion was overshadowed on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump targeted Spain, declared he no longer wanted to engage with Iran and renewed his demand that the United States should control Greenland.
Speaking alongside NATO Secretary Mark Rutte in the Turkish capital, Trump lashed out at Madrid over burden-sharing in the alliance and over its stance during the Iran war. He said he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to stop trade with Spain, widening an already visible dispute between Washington and Madrid.
The summit had been expected to showcase European backing for Ukraine and underline fresh defence commitments. At least $50 billion in defence initiatives had been announced on Tuesday, part of an effort by European NATO members to demonstrate they were increasing military spending. Trump's intervention cut across that messaging and added to a run of disputes that have strained the alliance.
Spain dispute deepens
Washington and Madrid have been in conflict, with Spain openly refusing Trump's demand that European countries sharply raise defence spending and shoulder more of their own military costs. Spain's Socialist government has also declined to allow the US to use its airspace or military facilities on Spanish territory for the war involving Iran.
Trump said Spain was failing the alliance and went further by calling for economic measures against it.
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