Trump Affirms US Commitment to NATO Alliance at Ankara Summit

President Donald Trump informed NATO allies at a leaders’ meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, that he intends to keep the United States in the alliance. A source familiar with the talks quoted President Trump as stating, “We want to remain with you.”

During the closed summit meeting, President Trump also conveyed that the U.S. is prepared to continue selling weapons to allies, regardless of how they are utilized. The source noted that President Trump did not reiterate his previous criticism of NATO ally Spain, nor did he mention his announcement regarding the termination of an interim ceasefire deal with Iran or the issue of Greenland during this meeting.

Sources: Business Recorder

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Ankara on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO Leaders Summit.

President al-Sharaa was invited by Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During their meeting, President Trump praised al-Sharaa’s leadership in uniting Syria after years of conflict. Trump described al-Sharaa, who came to power after toppling President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, as “tough” and noted his “very good relationship” with the Syrian leader.

The Syrian President had previously visited Washington in November last year seeking financial support for Syria. However, last month he reportedly refused calls from President Trump to intervene militarily in neighboring Lebanon against the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah. Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Business Recorder

US President Trump has stated that he is not happy with NATO because it was not ready to help on Iran.

Sources: ARY News

During the NATO Leaders Summit in Ankara, US President Trump reportedly called Spain the alliance’s most difficult partner. He also made a statement that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. On the sidelines of the summit, Italy’s Meloni met with Ukraine’s Zelenskiy.

Sources: Samaa TV HUM News

NATO leaders have convened in Ankara for a high-stakes summit aimed at reaffirming the alliance’s unity, as US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of European allies. President Trump questioned the commitment of NATO allies during the recent confrontation with Iran, stating he had considered skipping the summit but attended largely due to his relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The US recently carried out another wave of military strikes on targets in Iran and revoked a license allowing Tehran to export oil, citing attacks on commercial tankers. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the US military action, describing the strikes as a necessary response to alleged Iranian violations of the ceasefire.

Ahead of the meeting, NATO announced new defense agreements worth at least $50 billion, underscoring efforts by European members to increase military spending and reduce reliance on the United States. President Trump reiterated his dissatisfaction with NATO, claiming European allies had failed to adequately support the US during the conflict involving Iran and Israel. He also accused several European countries of limiting access to their airspace and military bases, claims which European officials have rejected.

President Trump further criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for declining to support US actions related to Iran, though he described her as “a nice person.”

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Pakistan Observer

During President Trump’s visit to Türkiye, major US-Türkiye agreements are expected, with key meetings currently in focus.

Sources: Dawn News

NATO leaders convened for a dinner on Tuesday evening, with the main session of their summit scheduled for Wednesday. European leaders aim to persuade President Donald Trump to recommit to the military alliance in Ankara, following his renewed disputes over the Iran war and Greenland.

Upon his arrival in the Turkish capital on Tuesday, President Trump indicated he might have boycotted the summit had it not been for his friendship with President Tayyip Erdogan. He also did not rule out further troop withdrawals from Europe. Earlier in the day, NATO showcased efforts by European members to increase their defence spending and reduce reliance on the US, unveiling arms deals valued at least $50 billion.

President Trump, who has previously criticized NATO, expressed his disappointment with the alliance, stating the US was not “treated well” during the US-Israeli war on Iran. He questioned the US expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars while allies were not “there for us,” and accused European nations of failing to allow US forces to use their airspace and bases during the conflict. European officials, however, maintained they largely honored their commitments to US forces, despite not being consulted on a conflict that impacted their economies and was unpopular in Europe.

In recent weeks, President Trump has also singled out Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for criticism, stating their relationship “became a little bad because she refused to help us” with Iran, though he also described her as a “nice person.” Italian officials have sought to de-escalate the situation. Additionally, President Trump asserted that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO member Denmark, should be controlled by the United States. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiks spoke hours later in Ankara.

Sources: Business Recorder

President Donald Trump has stated he will decide on selling F-35s, in addition to lifting sanctions on Türkiye.

Sources: Suno News GEO

US President Donald Trump announced that sanctions imposed on Türkiye under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) would be lifted. These sanctions were initially introduced in 2020 following Türkiye’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, which also led to its removal from the F-35 fighter jet program.

President Trump confirmed that his administration is actively considering restoring Türkiye’s access to the F-35 program, though this proposal requires navigation through legal procedures and congressional approval. He also noted that expanding bilateral trade would be a key focus of his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

President Erdoğan expressed confidence in a favorable outcome for Türkiye’s bid to rejoin the F-35 program and anticipated positive news regarding US support for engines powering Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter jet project. Referring to Trump as his “dear friend,” Erdoğan highlighted the strengthened bilateral ties and the importance of the meeting. The leaders are also expected to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and broader NATO security priorities.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Pakistan Observer Samaa TV

US President Donald Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions on Turkiye and make a decision regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. These statements were made during a meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the ongoing NATO summit in Ankara.

The sanctions were initially imposed in 2020 under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) following Turkiye’s acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems. At that time, Ankara was also removed from the F-35 fighter jet program, a move Turkiye had described as unjust and illegal.

President Trump also indicated that trade discussions would be part of his agenda with President Erdogan. Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Business Recorder Samaa TV GNN

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Ankara, Türkiye, to attend the NATO Leaders Summit. He was greeted on the tarmac by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a presidential guard.

President Trump is scheduled to hold talks with President Erdogan at the presidential palace ahead of the summit’s main session. NATO allies are reportedly aiming to appease Trump with promises of increased defence spending and new arms contracts, following pressure from the US leader regarding European contributions to security.

The two-day gathering comes a year after NATO members pledged to increase security-related spending to five percent of GDP.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Business Recorder GEO Samaa TV HUM News

Donald Trump has arrived in Ankara, Türkiye, for talks with President Erdoğan ahead of an upcoming NATO Summit. He received a grand welcome from President Erdoğan and the First Lady.

A special ceremony was held for Donald Trump at Türkiye’s Presidential Palace, and high-level talks between the two leaders have commenced.

Sources: Samaa TV HUM News

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Ankara, Türkiye, to attend the NATO Leaders Summit. President Erdoğan extended a welcome to the US President upon his arrival. Reports indicate he received a unique welcome, including a special guard of honor.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

Sources: Dawn News

US President Donald Trump has arrived in Türkiye for the NATO Summit. Reports indicate he received a unique welcome, including a special guard of honor. Ehtisham Ul Haq has reportedly revealed a major development concerning the visit.

Sources: BOL News Express News