NATO agrees Hague summit statement with 5% defence spending goal
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had blocked an earlier version of the text, saying that committing to a 5% target would be unreasonable and counterproductive. Spain spent 1.24% of GDP on defence in 2024, according to NATO estimates
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Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Donald Trump to attend NATO summit on Tuesday, will urge members to boost defense spending
The NATO alliance has crafted a summit in The Hague this week to shore itself up by satisfying US President Donald Trump with a big new defence spending goal – but it now risks being dominated by the repercussions of his military strikes on Iran. The two-day gathering is also intended to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that NATO is united, despite Trump's previous criticism of the alliance, and determined to expand and upgrade its defences to deter any attack from Moscow. The summit and its final statement are meant to be short and focused on heeding Trump's call to spend 5% of GDP on defence – a big jump from the current 2% goal. It is to be achieved by investing more in both militaries and other security-related spending. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, however, upset NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's preparations on Sunday as he declared Madrid did not need to meet the new spending target even as Spain approved the summit statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had to settle for a seat at the pre-summit dinner on Tuesday evening – rather than a formal session with the leaders when they meet on Wednesday – due to his volatile relationship with Trump. The US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend makes the summit much less predictable than Rutte – a former prime minister of the Netherlands hosting the gathering in his home city – and other NATO member countries would like. Much will depend on the precise situation in the Middle East when the summit takes place – such as whether Iran has retaliated against the US – and whether other NATO leaders address the strikes with Trump or in comments to reporters. If the meeting does not go to plan, NATO risks appearing weak and divided, just as European members confront what they see as their biggest threat since the end of the Cold War – Russia – while bracing for possible U.S. troop cuts on the continent. Under the new defence spending plan, countries would spend 3.5% of GDP on 'core defence' – essentially, weapons and troops – and a further 1.5% on security-related investments such as adapting roads, ports and bridges for use by military vehicles, protecting pipelines and deterring cyber-attacks. Such an increase – to be phased in over 10 years – would mean hundreds of billions of dollars more spending on defence. Last year, alliance members collectively spent about 2.6% of NATO GDP on core defence, amounting to about $1.3 trillion, according to NATO estimates. The lion's share came from the United States, which spent almost $818 billion. Washington has insisted it is time for Europeans to take on more of the financial and military burden of defending their continent. European leaders say they have got that message but want an orderly and gradual transition, fearful that any gaps in their defences could be exploited by Putin. They are particularly keen to stress their spending commitment as Trump has previously threatened not to protect allies that do not spend enough on defence. A prepared text summit statement agreed by NATO governments and seen by Reuters says: 'We reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack on one is an attack on all.' As part of their efforts to keep Trump onside, NATO officials have shunted difficult topics to the sidelines of the summit or kept them off the agenda altogether. While many European nations see Russia as an ever-growing threat, Trump has expressed a desire for better economic relations with Moscow – a prospect that Europeans think would help Russia to strengthen its military and threaten them more. Similarly, many Europeans are deeply wary of Trump's moves to lessen Russia's diplomatic isolation as part of his efforts to secure a deal to end the war in Ukraine. The brief summit statement will include just one reference to Russia as a threat to Euro-Atlantic security and another to allies' commitment to supporting Ukraine, diplomats say.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel Iran War Live Updates: Putin condemns US strikes on Iran; Israel targets Fordo nuclear site again
Israel Iran War Live Updates: Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly denounced the US airstrikes on Iran, labeling them 'unprovoked aggression' and 'unjustified,' while expressing Russia's commitment to aiding the Iranian people. Speaking to Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, Putin reaffirmed Moscow's support amid escalating regional tensions. At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul, Araghchi condemned the US strikes as a blatant breach, asserting that the attack crossed a critical red line and vowing that Iran would respond decisively to future aggression. He confirmed plans for high-level talks in Moscow for what he described as essential consultations. Meanwhile, Trump claimed the bombings caused massive underground damage, though US officials were still evaluating the full extent. Satellite imagery suggested Iran may have prepared for the strikes by sealing tunnel entrances at its Isfahan nuclear facility. Australia backed the US action, emphasizing non-proliferation while advocating diplomacy, though Araghchi dismissed renewed negotiations, accusing Washington of abandoning diplomatic efforts in favor of coercion. 20:05 (IST) Jun 23 Iran Israel War Live: Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon, Nato chief says "When it comes to Nato's stance on Iran's nuclear programme, allies have long agreed that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon," said Nato secretary general Mark Rutte ahead of a Nato summit in The Hague. "Iranian drones are killing innocent Ukrainians every day in cities, in communities without any respect for life," said Rutte. Iran warned that the US bombing could escalate regional conflict and lead to "serious, unpredictable consequences." Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned Israel's June 13 offensive as "a big mistake." According to official figures, Israeli strikes have killed over 400 people in Iran, while Iran's retaliation has resulted in 24 deaths in Israel. 20:02 (IST) Jun 23 Iran Israel War Live: 'No reason to criticise' US strikes in Iran, says Germany's Merz "There is no reason to criticise what America did at the weekend. Yes, it is not without risk. But leaving things as they were was not an option either," AFP quoted Merz saying. The US strikes followed Israel's massive June 13 assault on Iranian missile and nuclear sites, as well as key military and security figures. These actions came amid longstanding tensions over Iran's uranium enrichment program, which has raised alarm in the West and Israel over potential weapons development—an accusation Iran continues to deny. 20:00 (IST) Jun 23 Iran Israel War Live: Nuclear fears mount after US strikes, warns IAEA chief In Vienna, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, stated that the Fordo nuclear facility likely suffered severe damage following the US airstrike using heavy bunker-buster bombs. He cited the explosive payload as the reason for expecting substantial destruction at the site. 'Given the explosive payload utilised ... very significant damage ... is expected to have occurred,' said Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The US strikes marked a significant escalation, directly involving Washington in the Israel-Iran conflict and raising concerns of a broader regional war. Iran accused the US of crossing a critical line, though Iranian officials, including the Atomic Energy Organization's spokesman, claimed sensitive nuclear materials were removed from the sites in advance. Grossi confirmed that Iran had warned the IAEA of protective measures on June 13. 19:58 (IST) Jun 23 Iran Israel War Live: Israel targets Iran's government, key Tehran prison as Iran launches more attacks on Israel Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian government targets in Tehran, following Iran's missile and drone attacks that came in response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day. Among the Israeli targets were Evin Prison and the Revolutionary Guards' security headquarters. Additionally, Israel confirmed hitting roads near Iran's Fordo enrichment facility to hinder access, one of the sites previously targeted by the US. 'The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,' the ministry said. 19:55 (IST) Jun 23 'Unprovoked aggression': Putin on US strikes on Iran Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged Moscow's support to help de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict, following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He met with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, who arrived for urgent consultations and was expected to deliver a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Acknowledging the heightened tensions, Putin reaffirmed Russia's stance on the crisis, aligning with earlier statements from the Russian foreign ministry. 'This is an absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran, has no basis or justification,' he said. 'We have long-standing, good, and reliable relations with Iran. On our part, we are making efforts to help the Iranian people,' Putin told Araghchi. A fresh round of aerial assaults broke out between Iran and Israel after US warplanes launched strikes over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear facilities using powerful bunker-buster bombs. Donald Trump claimed the attacks had 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear infrastructure, though American officials cautioned it was premature to assess the full extent of the damage. As hostilities intensified, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel had committed 'a big mistake,' while both nations reported intercepting missiles, and oil prices surged amid growing global alarm. In reaction to the escalating situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to help deter Iran from shutting the vital Strait of Hormuz, as the State Department issued a global travel advisory. Anti-US and anti-Israel protests erupted in Tehran, with residents voicing outrage and unease. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian directly accused Washington of collaborating with Israel and vowed a response. Trump, meanwhile, took to social media to hint at regime change in Iran and touted the attacks' success. The Pentagon confirmed significant destruction at the targeted nuclear sites, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted the offensive would persist until Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities were fully dismantled.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Prostitutes, kickbacks and a porn star: Spanish PM Sánchez's Socialist Party rocked by wild corruption scandal
Live Events Who's involved in the scandal? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez , who once promised to clean up politics, is now caught in a massive corruption scandal. His Socialist Party is under fire for shady deals, prostitutes, secret recordings, and even a porn star. His wife and brother are also facing serious Sánchez became PM in 2018 after removing the last leader, Rajoy, for corruption. He promised to clean up politics and called for a 'new democratic era.' Now his own party, PSOE, is involved in a giant scandal involving sex workers, shady deals, and illegal contracts, as per the report by The wife is being investigated for using her position to help people unfairly. His brother, David, got a special job made just for him in a public office, according to reports. Enemies call Sánchez 'the dog' because they say he's hard to get rid of, but this scandal might finally do it. Sánchez is known for his 'woke' politics and feminist image, but now tapes show his allies talking about sex shocked his left-wing supporters, including ministers who refused to sit beside him in Congress. Santos Cerdan, one of Sánchez 's closest allies, resigned last week over corruption claims. Police say Cerdan charged companies money in exchange for public contracts in Navarre. Sánchez apologized for defending Cerdan, calling the whole thing a small 'anecdote', as stated by The Telegraph scandal includes Koldo Garcia, a former nightclub bouncer turned top aide. Koldo worked for Jose Luis Abalos, ex-minister and longtime party insider. Abalos is suspected of taking kickbacks worth hundreds of thousands of euros. Abalos's house was raided by police in June. He was found with a woman named Anaí turned out to be porn star Letizia Hilton, according to El Mundo. Abalos allegedly tried to hide a hard drive with evidence by sneaking it in her pocket while she walked the dog. Koldo is said to have recorded all conversations for over 10 years, and police are now checking all his memory sticks, as per the report by The found recordings of officials talking about sex workers and shady deals. One tape has Koldo saying, 'I could break someone's legs, but with time, you learn.' Now party members are paranoid, nobody knows who else was recorded. Another minister might be in trouble next, as police dig into more links to Abalos. Sánchez ordered an external audit of the party's finances to prove PSOE isn't opposition leader Feijoo said Sánchez is 'deeply caught in a corruption scheme' and called him out in Parliament. Feijoo told Sánchez, 'You're not the victim. The Spanish people are'. Feijoo also said Sánchez is avoiding early elections because he 'knows he will lose.' Now everyone is waiting for the next batch of leaked recordings; they could decide if Sánchez stays or falls, as per The linked to a huge scandal involving his party, sex workers, and name is Letizia Hilton, found with ex-minister Ábalos during a police raid.
