Speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump defended his confidence in the Israel-Iran ceasefire, crediting the success to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. While declaring that the war is likely over, Trump conceded it might “start again soon,” highlighting both the volatility of the region and his administration’s central role in brokering what he has dubbed the “12-day war.”
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Trump said Iran and Israel were “tired” after fighting “very hard and very viciously” and had chosen to “go home.”
He warned the ceasefire may not hold: “Some day it could maybe start again soon.”
The president attributed the end of the conflict to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Trump downplayed a leaked U.S. intelligence report suggesting limited damage from the strikes, calling such coverage “fake news.”
The remarks came during a media Q&A following the NATO summit, where allies endorsed a 5% defense spending target by 2035.
Stay with Newsweek for the latest.
11:01 AM EDT
Sánchez defends Spain’s 2% defense spending as ‘sufficient’
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reaffirmed Wednesday that Spain will meet NATO’s agreed capability targets, despite opting to maintain defense spending at 2% of GDP.
Speaking after the NATO summit in The Hague, Sánchez described the 2% figure as “sufficient and realistic,” emphasizing that it aligns with Spain’s social model and economic priorities.
He also highlighted Spain’s ongoing contributions to European security, particularly along the southern border and the eastern flank with Russia, positioning the country as a reliable NATO partner amid broader alliance efforts to boost defense investment.
10:47 AM EDT
Trump says Iran couldn’t move uranium before U.S. strikes
Trump insisted Wednesday that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was not removed ahead of U.S. airstrikes, claiming the facilities were hit “so hard, so fast” that Tehran had no time to act.
“They didn’t get a chance to move,” Trump said at the NATO summit, describing the material as “very heavy and hard to move,” buried 30 stories beneath layers of granite, concrete, and steel.
10:42 AM EDT
Trump threatens trade penalties over Spain’s defense spending stance
Trump warned Wednesday that Spain could face trade repercussions after its government declined to meet NATO’s new 5% defense spending target, opting instead to remain at 2% of GDP.
“They’re doing very well… and that economy could be blown right out of the water if something bad happened,” Trump said at the NATO summit in The Hague.
He added that the U.S. is negotiating a trade deal with Spain and vowed, “We’re going to make them pay twice as much. I’m actually serious about this.”
Spain has secured a formal exemption from the 5% goal, but Trump’s comments suggest tensions remain over burden-sharing within the alliance.
10:41 AM EDT
Trump hints at possible U.S.-Iran talks, agreement next week
Trump revealed Wednesday that the U.S. may resume direct talks with Iran as early as next week, raising the possibility of a new agreement between the two nations.
“We’re going to talk with them next week,” Trump said during a press conference at the NATO summit in The Hague. “We may sign an agreement, I don’t know.”
10:35 AM EDT
Intelligence report challenges Trump’s claim of obliterating Iran’s nuclear program
A U.S. intelligence report has cast doubt on President Donald Trump’s assertion that American airstrikes “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, shared by sources familiar with the findings, concluded the strikes caused significant damage but only set back Iran’s nuclear progress by months, not years.
While Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insist the operation dealt a lasting blow, the report found key infrastructure remained intact, and that Iran may have moved some enriched uranium and centrifuges before the strikes.
The White House rejected the assessment as “flat-out wrong,” with Trump denouncing media coverage and defending the operation’s impact. Intelligence officials warn that Iran retains the ability to restart its nuclear program and potentially develop a weapon if it chooses.
10:25 AM EDT
Trump rejects CNN report, says Iran nuclear site ‘obliterated’
US President Donald Trump (L) speaks flanked by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (C) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) at a press conference during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of…
US President Donald Trump (L) speaks flanked by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (C) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) at a press conference during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025.
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Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
Trump dismissed a question from CNN during a NATO summit press conference, labeling the network “fake news” and rejecting claims that he relied on Israeli intelligence to assess the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“We’ve collected additional intelligence,” Trump said. “The site is obliterated, and we think everything nuclear is down there. They didn’t take it out.”
10:22 AM EDT
Trump says Iran-Israel war may restart despite ceasefire
Trump expressed doubt Wednesday about the durability of the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, saying the two sides were “tired” after intense fighting.
“They’ve fought very hard and very viciously, very violently, and they were both satisfied to go home and get out.” He then added, “I guess some day it could maybe start again soon.”
10:19 AM EDT
Trump calls Hegseth ‘secretary of war,’ criticizes title change
President Donald Trump referred to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the “secretary of war” during remarks at the NATO summit, reviving a title officially retired in 1947.
The designation was replaced with “Secretary of Defense” during the Truman administration as part of a broader post-WWII reorganization of the U.S. military.
Trump dismissed the change as “politically correct,” suggesting the older title reflects the role’s purpose better, The Times reported.
10:17 AM EDT
Trump defends Iran strike claims, says tunnels collapsed
Trump doubled down Wednesday on his claim that U.S. airstrikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities, dismissing media reports and intelligence assessments that suggest otherwise.
Speaking at the NATO summit, Trump said the strikes caused the tunnels at Iran’s Fordow site to collapse, rendering the facility inaccessible. “There’s no way you can even get down,” he said, adding that the nuclear material was likely buried because “it’s very hard to remove.”
He also praised the operation’s precision, claiming every strike landed “within nine inches” of its target.
10:10 AM EDT
Trump touts Iran strikes, ceasefire at NATO summit
Trump opened his remarks at the NATO summit in The Hague by thanking the Netherlands for hosting and praising the U.S. military. He again described the recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as “obliteration,” despite intelligence reports suggesting more limited damage.
Trump credited the operation with securing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling the conflict the “12-day war” and expressing confidence that hostilities would not resume. He also claimed the strikes had “reasserted the credibility of American deterrence,” which he described as unmatched.
10:09 AM EDT
Trump briefly addresses Ukraine war, urges NATO to buy U.S. arms
Trump briefly mentioned the Ukraine war during his remarks at the NATO summit in The Hague, saying, “Hopefully we’re going to get that solved.” He reiterated his longstanding claim that the conflict “would have never happened” if he had been in office earlier.
Trump emphasized that NATO’s new 5% defense spending pledge should go toward “very serious military hardware, not bureaucracy,” and expressed hope that much of it would be “made in America,” calling U.S. equipment “the very best in the world.”
10:06 AM EDT
Trump touts NATO defense pledge, praises Dutch hospitality
US President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025.
US President Donald Trump attends a press conference at the end of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague on June 25, 2025.
Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/Getty Images
Trump said Wednesday that NATO allies will spend 5% of their GDP on defense, though he did not specify the agreed timeline by 2035. The announcement came during the NATO summit in The Hague, where Trump appeared upbeat, praising the Netherlands’ trees and calling the Dutch royals “beautiful people” from “central casting.”
The 5% pledge marks a major shift in alliance policy, more than doubling the previous 2% target. While Trump celebrated the commitment, some member states have expressed concerns about meeting the goal within the decade.
10:00 AM EDT
WATCH NOW: Trump gives press conference from NATO Summit
09:57 AM EDT
IDF intercepts drone from Yemen amid regional ceasefire
The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday it intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle likely launched from Yemen, adding that the drone did not enter Israeli airspace and no sirens were triggered.
The incident comes days after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect, following nearly two weeks of hostilities. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have continued to launch attacks in the region despite the truce, including previous drone and missile strikes targeting Israel.
The IDF said the drone was neutralized by protocol and posed no immediate threat.
09:46 AM EDT
Trump and Zelenskyy meet on NATO summit sidelines in The Hague
Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began their long-anticipated meeting Wednesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, according to Zelenskyy’s spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov.
The leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, military aid, and broader security cooperation. Earlier, Trump described Zelenskyy as “a nice guy” and said they would “discuss the obvious” regarding Ukraine’s challenges.
09:44 AM EDT
Vance flips middle finger at fundraiser, jokes about D.C. culture
Vice President J.D. Vance raised eyebrows Tuesday night when he flipped his middle finger toward the crowd during a Republican fundraiser in Lima, Ohio, joking about the challenges of modern politics.
“All the pink-haired people throw up this sign,” Vance said, drawing laughter. “I think that means ‘We’re Number One,’ right?” He added that the gesture is familiar in Washington and said he interprets it that way.
The moment came just hours after Trump used the f-word while venting about Israel and Iran allegedly violating a ceasefire, marking a notably unfiltered day for the administration.
09:31 AM EDT
Macron urges nuclear diplomacy as Iran-Israel ceasefire holds
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called the ceasefire between Iran and Israel “volatile and fragile,” urging renewed diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking after the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Macron said he hoped the truce would hold but emphasized the need to “resume diplomatic and technical work” involving Iran, the U.S., and European nations.
He warned that “in the coming weeks we will have a choice to make” on how to proceed. Macron is scheduled to meet with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief in Paris later today to discuss next steps.
09:13 AM EDT
‘Then Daddy has to use strong language’: Trump, Rutte trade jabs at NATO
President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte shared a headline-grabbing moment at the NATO summit in The Hague, with Rutte jokingly referring to Trump as “Daddy” during a press conference.
The exchange followed Trump’s comparison of the Israel-Iran conflict to “two kids in a schoolyard,” saying they had to fight it out before being stopped. Rutte responded, “Then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language,” drawing laughter from the room.
The moment came amid serious discussions on defense spending and alliance unity, as NATO leaders endorsed a 5% GDP defense pledge and reaffirmed their commitment to collective security.
08:54 AM EDT
Judge quotes ‘The Simpsons’ in ruling against Donald Trump
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Saturday, June 21, 2025. Homer Simpson visits The Empire State Building to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Simpsons” at The…
President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Saturday, June 21, 2025. Homer Simpson visits The Empire State Building to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “The Simpsons” at The Empire State Building on December 17, 2018 in New York City.
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Manuel Balce Ceneta / Noam Galai/AP Photo / Getty Images
A U.S. judge quoted from an episode of The Simpsons while ordering the Donald Trump administration to unfreeze billions of dollars in electric vehicle charger funding for 14 states.
On Tuesday, District Judge Tana Lin granted a partial injunction to the states that sued the Department of Transportation over blocking the funds, and said that the states would likely succeed in their suit alleging that these were withheld illegally.
In her ruling, Lin quoted from the TV show, writing: “In a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, Homer must cut short a tearful goodbye with his long-lost mother after her traveling companions protest that their ‘electric van only has minutes of juice left!'”
“Some 26 years later, Congress sought to address the phenomenon that has come to be known as ‘range anxiety’: the unease experienced by electric vehicle (“EV”) drivers when they are unsure where the next charging station might be, and whether their car’s battery has sufficient charge to get them there,” she continued.
Newsweek has reached out to the Department of Transportation and The Federal Highway Administration via email for comment on Lin’s ruling.
Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.
08:47 AM EDT
UK to buy F-35A jets, rejoining NATO’s airborne nuclear mission
In a major shift in defense policy, the United Kingdom announced plans to purchase 12 F-35A stealth fighter-bombers, restoring its ability to deliver nuclear weapons by air for the first time since the Cold War. The move, revealed during the NATO summit in The Hague, also marks Britain’s formal entry into NATO’s airborne nuclear mission, joining allies like Germany and Italy in operating dual-capable aircraft equipped with U.S. B61 nuclear bombs.
The F-35As will complement Britain’s existing Trident submarine-based deterrent, creating a second leg of its nuclear delivery system. The jets will be based at RAF Marham and are expected to support over 20,000 jobs across the UK defense sector.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision “the biggest strengthening of the UK’s nuclear posture in a generation,” citing growing global threats and the need for greater military readiness. A recent security review warned of the possibility of armed conflict on British soil and urged investment in lethality, readiness, and munitions stockpiles.
The UK’s commitment comes amid broader NATO efforts to boost defense spending, with Britain pledging to allocate 5% of GDP to security by 2035. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the financial strain and potential trade-offs with domestic priorities.
08:35 AM EDT
Trump, NATO allies reaffirm collective defense, sidestep Ukraine membership
US President Donald Trump greets Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen ahead of the North Atlantic Council Plenary Session on the second day of the 2025 NATO Summit on June 25, 2025 in The…
US President Donald Trump greets Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen ahead of the North Atlantic Council Plenary Session on the second day of the 2025 NATO Summit on June 25, 2025 in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
At the close of a brief summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump and fellow NATO leaders issued a joint communique reaffirming their “ironclad commitment” to collective defense under Article 5 of the alliance’s founding treaty. The statement also labeled Russia a long-term threat and committed members to a new 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035.
However, the communique notably omitted direct criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine. It did not mention Ukrainian NATO membership, despite previous declarations that Kyiv was on an “irreversible path” to joining.
Trump, who has ruled out Ukraine’s accession and maintains a closer relationship with Vladimir Putin than many allies, had earlier cast doubt on his interpretation of Article 5. Still, the final statement emphasized unity: “An attack on one is an attack on all.”
08:23 AM EDT
Israel-Iran ceasefire holds as nuclear tensions and diplomacy collide
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to hold on Wednesday, offering a glimmer of hope for long-term peace after 12 days of conflict. While U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the truce as a success, Iran’s parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling a renewed push on its nuclear program.
Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, claimed Iran would no longer enrich uranium or pursue a bomb. However, Iranian officials insisted their nuclear ambitions remain intact, and accused the IAEA of failing to condemn U.S. and Israeli strikes on their facilities.
The IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, said inspectors are eager to return to Iran to reassess uranium stockpiles and damage to nuclear sites.
Despite Trump’s assertion that the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s program, early U.S. intelligence suggests the facilities were only set back by months. Israeli and U.S. officials continue to claim significant damage, while Iran confirmed its installations were hit but not destroyed.
Meanwhile, Iran executed three more prisoners on espionage charges, bringing the total to six since June 16, raising concerns among human rights groups.
As both sides claim victory, the ceasefire remains fragile. Trump’s envoy said talks are underway for a broader peace deal, while China urged all parties to seize the moment for regional stability.
08:08 AM EDT
Trump’s UK state visit confirmed, no summer meeting with King Charles
Officials confirmed that President Donald Trump will return to the United Kingdom for a second state visit later this year after accepting a formal invitation from King Charles III, per The Guardian.
Although the monarch had hoped for an informal summer meeting at Balmoral or Dumfries House, logistical issues made that gathering unfeasible. Instead, planning has begun for a more formal visit in September.
The visit will mark Trump’s first meeting with King Charles since the monarch’s ascension and an unusual second state visit for a U.S. president.
07:55 AM EDT
Rubio says Iran’s nuclear program ‘set back significantly’ by U.S. strikes
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran is now “much further away” from developing a nuclear weapon following recent U.S. airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities. Speaking to Politico at the NATO summit in The Hague, Rubio pushed back on leaked intelligence suggesting the strikes only delayed Iran’s program by a few months.
Rubio acknowledged the “deep underground” damage and said the U.S. is still assessing the full impact. He described the strikes as causing “very significant, substantial damage” to multiple components of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
While President Trump claimed the sites were “totally obliterated,” Rubio offered a more measured view, saying the program is “far worse shape” than it was a week ago.
He also added that the U.S. is not seeking war with Iran, calling the operation a demonstration of “strategic patience” and a narrowly defined mission.
07:40 AM EDT
Zelenskyy to approve tribunal targeting Russian leaders for Ukraine invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to formally endorse the creation of a special international tribunal aimed at prosecuting senior Russian officials for the crime of aggression tied to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The court will be established through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, marking a significant step in Kyiv’s push for legal accountability beyond existing international mechanisms.
Zelenskyy is set to sign the agreement during a visit to the Council’s headquarters in Strasbourg, following his participation in the NATO summit in The Hague.
The tribunal addresses jurisdictional gaps left by the International Criminal Court, which cannot prosecute Russian nationals for aggression due to legal limitations.
07:27 AM EDT
Trump judicial nominee faces scrutiny over whistleblower claims
Emil Bove, a top Justice Department official and former defense attorney for President Trump, is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. His nomination has drawn sharp attention following a whistleblower complaint alleging he suggested ignoring court orders during internal discussions on immigration enforcement.
The complaint, filed by former DOJ lawyer Erez Reuveni, claims Bove used profane language in a March meeting and floated the idea of defying judicial rulings related to deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Reuveni, who was later fired, has requested a formal investigation into Bove’s conduct.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “utterly false” and politically timed ahead of the hearing. Bove has also faced criticism for dismissing a federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a move that led to multiple DOJ resignations.
07:14 AM EDT
Business optimism collapses under Trump
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the…
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit.
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Evan Vucci/AP Photo
Business leaders’ confidence in the U.S. economy has halved since the beginning of the year, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co., as companies grapple with the impact of President Donald Trump‘s tariffs and broader geopolitical uncertainties.
The financial services firm’s latest Business Leaders Outlook Survey, released Wednesday, found that optimism for the economy fell to 32 percent in June from 65 percent in January. Additionally, 25 percent of respondents said they expect a recession to occur at some point this year, up from only 8 percent in January.
Concerns over the trajectory of the U.S. economy have been fueled largely by Trump’s trade agenda, which has led to significant stock market volatility and heightened fears of rising costs for both businesses and consumers. However, these anxieties have been somewhat tempered by the current pause on reciprocal tariffs, as well as the temporary easing of trading tensions between the United States and China.
While the survey was largely conducted prior to the most recent escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran and America’s entry in the form of target strikes over the weekend, this could contribute to these existing economic anxieties.
One expert told Newsweek that a re-escalation would represent “another adverse supply shock to the economy.”
Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek.