President Trump heads to The Hague for a key NATO summit as Iran tensions overshadow Ukraine and defense spending talks.

Trump Heads to The Hague as Middle East Tensions Rise

President Donald Trump is set to participate in a high-stakes NATO summit in The Hague this week, with international attention focused on the growing crisis in Iran. According to a senior administration official, Trump will depart for the Netherlands on Tuesday, arriving late in the evening. The summit, which begins Wednesday, will bring together allied leaders for critical discussions on global security.

The White House confirmed a slight adjustment in Trump’s itinerary, as he was originally scheduled to leave Monday. The change follows Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7 economic summit in Canada over the weekend to address escalating tensions in the Middle East. Although a state dinner among foreign leaders was planned for Tuesday evening, it remains unclear whether Trump will attend due to his late arrival.

NATO Faces Decisions on Defense Spending and Iran Crisis

While Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia is on the agenda, the Iranian crisis is expected to dominate conversations among NATO leaders. Trump’s recent decision to involve the United States in Israel’s campaign in the Middle East has added urgency to the summit’s proceedings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is anticipated to attend, but the primary focus will likely be on regional instability in the Middle East.

Another significant topic is NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s proposal that all member states contribute at least 5% of their gross domestic product to defense. The proposal, championed as a Trump initiative, has encountered resistance, particularly from Spain, and has sparked debate among member nations over both the timeline and necessity of such a dramatic increase in defense spending.

The summit is scheduled to conclude Wednesday, after which President Trump will return to Washington. Security is expected to be exceptionally tight in The Hague, as protests have already begun in response to the gathering of world leaders and the contentious issues on the table.

Summit Signals High Stakes for NATO and U.S. Foreign Policy

With global security in flux and diplomatic tensions on the rise, the outcome of this week’s summit may significantly impact NATO’s strategic direction. Trump’s participation—despite scheduling changes and ongoing crises—signals the importance the U.S. places on both alliance unity and rapid response to emerging threats. As leaders debate defense budgets, regional conflicts, and the best path forward, the world will be watching for signs of consensus or further division among Western allies.