Trump Declares End of Israel-Iran Conflict at NATO Summit: Key Developments and Global Reactions
NATO Summit Update: Trump Confirms End of Israel-Iran Clash
President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced the conclusion of a deadly 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, stating the situation is now under control and unlikely to reignite.
"We believe it's over. I don't think they’re going to go back at each other," Trump said during a closing press conference at the NATO Summit held in The Netherlands.
U.S. Intelligence vs. Trump Administration Claims
Trump used the summit’s final day to address recent leaked intelligence reports, which claim U.S. airstrikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months—contradicting earlier White House statements. Trump dismissed the leak, asserting the report was incomplete.
According to the Trump administration, U.S. strikes completely destroyed three primary nuclear enrichment sites in Iran: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Satellite images reportedly support this conclusion, although Pentagon assessments remain ongoing.
"The intelligence just guesses. They didn’t see the actual results," Trump emphasized.
Later on social media, Trump doubled down, posting, “We’ve collected additional intelligence. The site is obliterated!”
NATO Members Pledge to Boost Defense Spending
In a significant development, NATO’s European member nations committed to increasing defense budgets to 5% of GDP over the next decade. Trump hailed the move as a "monumental win" for both the United States and Western civilization.
The allocation plan includes 3.5% for military equipment and 1.5% for infrastructure. However, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opposed the commitment, prompting Trump to suggest potential trade consequences.
Trump Urges Europe to Buy American Defense Equipment
Trump encouraged European nations to invest in “serious military hardware” rather than bureaucracy. He proposed that Europe should procure defense systems from the United States, citing the interception of an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar as evidence of U.S. military superiority.
Iran and Israel Both Claim Victory
Despite Trump’s declaration, both Iran and Israel claim to have achieved strategic victories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes had met all objectives, severely damaging Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Israel’s Atomic Energy Commission confirmed this in a report, claiming the program had been set back "many years."
Meanwhile, Pentagon intelligence assessments suggest the damage may be less significant, estimating only a temporary delay in Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump countered, saying the obliteration was clear, though intelligence agencies claimed the evidence remains inconclusive.
FBI Probes Intelligence Leak
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the FBI is investigating the leak of the damage assessment, calling it a breach of top-secret classification. He affirmed the strikes caused significant devastation and cautioned against speculative reports.
IAEA Confirms Localized Damage, No Regional Radiation Threat
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported extensive damage at Iran's nuclear facilities. The agency noted localized radioactive and chemical leaks but found no evidence of increased radiation outside the affected zones.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi assured that Iran’s research and civilian nuclear reactors were not targeted and there is no regional environmental impact.
Iran Maintains Nuclear Progress Despite Setbacks
Iranian officials claimed that preemptive measures helped limit the damage. Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s nuclear agency, told Mehr News that the country's nuclear development would continue uninterrupted.
The Israeli-led assault on June 13 targeted uranium enrichment plants, ballistic missile infrastructure, military commanders, and scientists. Iran's retaliation resulted in around 30 Israeli deaths, while Israeli strikes killed over 600 Iranians and caused extensive damage.
Growing Fear Among Americans
Public anxiety in the U.S. has increased following the attacks. In New York City, residents expressed concerns about becoming potential targets. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that 79% of Americans fear possible retaliation from Iran.
Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities: A Divided View
Although U.S. intelligence agencies do not believe Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons, they agree that the country possesses enough enriched uranium to initiate a nuclear chain reaction. However, how soon Iran could build a weapon remains debated—estimates range from a week to a year.
Why the U.S. Launched Operation Midnight Hammer
The U.S. joined the conflict through "Operation Midnight Hammer" following Israel’s strikes on June 13. The White House claimed full obliteration of nuclear facilities, but the IAEA has not yet confirmed these claims.
In summary, the short but intense conflict has reshaped global geopolitics, prompted new NATO commitments, and reignited debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As the international community watches closely, questions remain about the long-term impact and sustainability of the reported ceasefire.
0 Comments