NATO leaders to declare Iran must ‘never have a Nuclear Weapon’ and Respect freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz

A draft text of the upcoming NATO summit reveals that alliance leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are set to declare that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and must fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Reuters report.

A draft text of the upcoming NATO summit reveals that alliance leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are set to declare that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and must fully respect freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Reuters report.

The text, approved by NATO ambassadors and reviewed by Reuters, states: “Allies reiterate that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon and call on Iran to fully respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz”. This statement, expected to be formally adopted at the Ankara summit on July 7-8, underscores the alliance’s unified stance on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and maritime security, amid ongoing regional tensions and the fragile ceasefire following the US-Iran agreement.

The summit declaration also affirms an “ironclad commitment” to the alliance’s Article 5 collective defense pact, which holds that an attack on one member is an attack on all. This commitment comes after President Trump had previously cast doubt on the US pledge to NATO’s mutual defense, particularly following clashes with European leaders over the US-Israeli war against Iran. The text, agreed upon by all 32 NATO members including the United States, suggests a willingness to set aside those differences at least for now.

NATO members are also set to pledge €70 billion ($80 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine for 2026, with equivalent support for 2027. The declaration identifies Russia as a “long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security and notes that European members and Canada are delivering on their commitment to increase defense spending.