Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Assets as U.S. Tensions Escalate 
Chris Hipkins Targets Cost-of-Living Relief in New Zealand Election 
Flavio Bolsonaro Rallies Brazil Opposition Ahead of Election 
Hungary Industrial Output Beats Forecasts With 4.7% July Growth 
Trump’s ‘New America’ Proposal Draws Backlash in New Mexico 
Iran Threatens US With ‘Economic Warfare’ as Gulf Tensions Rise 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Strong Jobs Data Boosts Fed Rate Hike Bets 
UK Food Inflation Forecast to Hit 6.4% by Mid-2027 
Kyiv Mothers Give Birth Amid Russian Drone Attacks 
Gold Prices Rise as Yen Rally Weakens Dollar 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
Russia Seeks to Claw Back Soldier Bonuses After Crimes 
FDA Names Permanent Drug and Biologics Center Chiefs 
Cuba Says No US Talks as Blockade Costs Hit $8.1 Billion 
China Inflation Accelerates in August as CPI, PPI Rise 
Add as a preferred source on Google
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all NATO members are expected to agree on a defense spending goal of 5% of GDP by the 2025 NATO Summit in June. Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Rubio emphasized the growing commitment among allies to bolster defense budgets amid rising global tensions.
Rubio noted that nearly every NATO country will meet or exceed the current 2% defense spending benchmark, with many already approaching or surpassing 4%. He stressed that the collective goal is for all members to reach 5% of GDP over the next decade.
The move comes in response to long-standing pressure from the United States, particularly from President Donald Trump, who during his 2017–2021 term criticized NATO allies for not sharing the defense burden. Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to the alliance.
In a show of support, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently said Berlin backs Trump’s push for increased defense investment. Germany confirmed in January that it met the 2% spending target in 2024, marking a significant shift in its defense policy.
The 2025 NATO Summit is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands from June 24 to 25. The summit is expected to be a pivotal moment for the alliance, highlighting a unified front in response to growing geopolitical threats, including from Russia and China.
As NATO recalibrates its strategic priorities, the 5% defense spending goal signals a significant evolution in alliance policy, underscoring a renewed emphasis on collective security and preparedness. The upcoming summit will likely cement this historic shift in defense commitment among NATO members.
