The NATO summit opened Wednesday in Ankara amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and debates over defense spending, marking one of the alliance’s most sensitive gatherings in recent years.

In his opening remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan outlined Turkey’s vision for NATO’s role in addressing current security challenges. He pledged continued Turkish contributions to collective defense and regional stability, announcing Ankara’s support for initiatives to meet Ukraine’s military needs amid its ongoing war with Russia.

On Iran, Erdoğan said Turkey is prepared to participate in a “potential operation to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.” He praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s “firm stance” in efforts to reach an agreement with Iran and emphasized the importance of allied unity against security threats.

Erdoğan also called for NATO solidarity against terrorism, thanking the U.S., Spain, Germany, and Italy for providing additional air defense support to Turkey during its recent confrontation with Iran.

The Iranian issue dominated the summit agenda, with concerns over the impact of military escalation on energy security and global shipping. Trump reiterated that the U.S. memorandum of understanding with Iran is “finished” and vowed Washington would not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said leaders will reaffirm their commitment to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international navigation. He described recent U.S. strikes on Iran as “highly necessary” given rising threats to commercial vessels.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced its forces had carried out a new round of strikes on Iran, hitting more than 80 targets with precision munitions in response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial ships transiting Hormuz.

Next NATO Summit in Doubt

Bloomberg reported that NATO is considering canceling or postponing its annual summit scheduled for next year. Sources said discussions gained momentum in Ankara amid fears the event could become another platform for Trump to criticize allies, especially if hosted by Albania, one of NATO’s lowest defense spenders.

Trump said he attended Ankara’s summit due to his strong relationship with Erdoğan, but repeated his criticisms of NATO, reigniting debate over the value of annual summits. Sources noted Secretary-General Rutte favors keeping the yearly meetings as a way to maintain NATO’s visibility, though Ankara’s final communiqué made no mention of the next summit.

NATO Military Committee Chairman Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said Albania remains the leading candidate to host, but the timing—next year or later—remains under discussion.