NATO leaders called on Iran to respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons as they pledged to strengthen the alliance's military capabilities and expand defence spending at the Ankara summit.
In the summit's final declaration, NATO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collective defence under Article 5, stressing that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all allies.
The alliance announced more than $50 billion in new defence procurements and pledged to expand military-industrial production, strengthen air and missile defence systems, and accelerate innovation through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Iran and Strait of Hormuz
NATO urged Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
Ankara Summit Declaration issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Ankara, Türkiye
— NATO (@NATO) July 8, 2026
Read the full statement → https://t.co/mQOBHNYCXy#NATOsummit pic.twitter.com/RIoidXu2rQ
The alliance also renewed its position that Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
Support for Ukraine
NATO reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging €70 billion in military assistance, equipment and training for 2026 while committing to maintain similar levels of support in 2027.
The alliance said European allies and Canada now provide the majority of security assistance to Kyiv.
Russia remains long-term threat
The declaration described Russia as a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security, while also highlighting terrorism, hybrid threats and strategic competition as major security challenges facing the alliance.
