Turkey Sets Stage for NATO's Unity Test as Trump's Ankara Attendance Remains Uncertain

NATO's 36th summit convenes in Ankara on 7–8 July with all 32 member leaders plus Gulf and Asia-Pacific partners. Turkey, hosting only its second NATO summit in 22 years, has framed the event as crucial to reaffirming Alliance cohesion. Diplomatic concern over whether President Trump will attend has shadowed preparations, making his presence—or absence—a key variable in what emerges from the closing communiqué.