U.S. and NATO Discuss Defense Spending, Industrial Base, and Iran

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Helsingborg, Sweden, on May 22, 2026, to prepare for the upcoming NATO leaders' summit in Ankara. The meeting preceded a gathering of NATO foreign ministers.

Rutte highlighted the increase in defense spending among NATO members. “The good news is the money is now coming in,” Rutte said, noting that defense spending is increasing due to commitments made at The Hague Summit.

Both leaders addressed the need to bolster the defense industrial base to increase production. Rutte stated that the insufficient production is a problem in both Europe and the U.S., but also noted that increased production would lead to job creation and foster the transatlantic bond.

The situation in Ukraine was also a topic of discussion. Rutte thanked the United States for its ongoing military support, including the provision of interceptors for Patriot missile systems, funded by European and Canadian allies.

The officials addressed concerns regarding Iran. Rutte said that impeding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. Rubio said the U.S. believes Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and said he disapproves Iran’s efforts to create a tolling system in an international waterway.

Rubio reported progress at the United Nations, where a resolution sponsored by Bahrain aims to prevent Iran from establishing a tolling system. Rubio said some members of the Security Council are considering vetoing the resolution.