NATO Summit: A Balancing Act Amidst U.S.-Iran Tensions

This week's NATO summit in The Hague focuses on increased defense spending, following U.S. President Trump's demand. However, it is overshadowed by recent U.S. military actions on Iran. The summit aims to show unity against Russia but faces internal challenges with member states like Spain discontent with new spending goals.

This week, the NATO summit in The Hague is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions following U.S. President Donald Trump's military strikes on Iran. The meeting aims to heed Trump's call for increased defense spending, now proposed at 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the current 2% target.

The summit also intends to project unity against Russian influence, despite new internal challenges. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has thrown a curveball by rejecting the new spending target, complicating NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's preparations. Rutte is adamant that every member, including Spain, cannot opt-out of these commitments.

With Ukraine's President relegated to a pre-summit dinner spot due to tense relations with Trump, and Europe's anxiety over potential U.S. troop cuts, the summit must navigate these complexities to avoid appearing weak at a critical geopolitical moment.

(With inputs from agencies.)