President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States will meet with Iranian officials next week, signaling the first direct diplomatic engagement since the recent U.S.-led strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The revelation came during a press conference at the conclusion of the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, where the president also declared that he no longer views NATO as a “rip-off” following a new defense spending pledge by most member nations.
No Deal Needed with Iran After “Obliteration”
Though Trump confirmed the upcoming meeting, he downplayed the need for a formal agreement, citing the extensive damage already inflicted on Iran’s nuclear program by U.S. airstrikes.
“We’re going to talk to them next week,” Trump told reporters.
“I don’t care if I have an agreement or not. The only thing we’d be asking for is what we were asking for before… ‘no nuclear.’ But we destroyed the nuclear. It’s blown up to kingdom come.”
According to Trump, the strikes set back Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities “basically decades.”
However, three sources familiar with a classified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment said the actual setback is believed to be far less dramatic—closer to several months.
NATO Applauds Trump, Announces 5% Defense Spending Goal
Trump also used the NATO summit to celebrate what he called a “historic” commitment by alliance members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
While the pledge does not include a clear timeline, all members except Spain and Slovakia agreed in principle.
“This week, the NATO allies committed to dramatically increase their defense spending… something that no one really thought possible,” Trump said, dubbing it the “Hague defense commitment.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised Trump for pushing the alliance toward greater military readiness. “You are a man of strength and also a man of peace,” Rutte told Trump during their bilateral meeting.
Middle East Ceasefire and Ukraine Peace Talks Take Center Stage
The president also offered guarded optimism about the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating that both sides were “tired, exhausted” and that the 12-day war appeared to be over.
“They fought very, very hard and very viciously… and they were both satisfied to go home,” Trump said. While he admitted the conflict could resume, he expressed hope that the ceasefire would hold.
On the sidelines of the summit, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss prospects for ending the war with Russia.
“I took from the meeting that he’d like to see it end,” Trump said, adding that he would soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy confirmed the talks and said details would follow.
Trump Hints at Possible Patriot Missile Aid for Ukraine
In response to a Ukrainian journalist asking about Patriot missile systems for Ukraine, Trump said the U.S. is exploring options. “They do want to have the anti-missile missiles … the Patriots,” Trump said. “We’re going to see if we can make some available.”
He noted, however, that supplies were limited due to the U.S. providing similar systems to Israel. “They’re very effective — 100% effective,” he said.
After learning that the reporter’s husband was currently fighting in Ukraine and that she was living in Warsaw with her children, Trump responded, “That’s rough stuff, right?” before wishing her family well.
Spain Faces U.S. Pressure Over NATO Spending
When asked about Spain’s refusal to meet the 5% defense target, Trump took a sharp tone: “Spain is the only country… that refuses to pay,” he said.
“We’re going to make them pay twice as much” through upcoming trade negotiations, he added.
Still, Trump struck a notably more cooperative tone regarding NATO’s collective defense clause, Article 5. After years of publicly questioning its value, he now says he wants the U.S. to help defend other allies, signaling a potential shift in his long-held skepticism toward the alliance.
