US President Donald Trump will attend the NATO meeting of heads of state in Turkey in early July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. The confirmation is expected to ease concerns among alliance capitals.

Although American presidents typically participate in NATO summits given Washington's leading role, doubts arose about Trump's presence this year after he voiced repeated frustration with NATO members over their limited assistance in the Iran war.

During a congressional hearing, Rubio noted Trump's main concern involved certain allies refusing use of their military bases during the crisis.

Rubio assured lawmakers that Trump would still take part despite these issues.

"The United States remains committed to the NATO alliance and will engage in Turkey to address these matters. The president will attend the upcoming heads of state meeting to clarify all points," Rubio stated.

European leaders resist direct involvement in US-Israeli operations

Multiple NATO nations declined to back the US military effort against Iran by restricting airspace access or withholding naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz for tankers.

European governments have avoided direct participation in US-Israeli actions against Iran due to concerns over an unpredictable conflict with unclear goals and limited public support at home.

Trump has labeled NATO a "paper tiger" and earlier threatened withdrawal from the 32-member alliance, citing insufficient European backing for the US-Israeli campaign in Iran.

"The July NATO meeting in Turkey may prove the most significant in the alliance's history as key issues require resolution," Rubio added.

NATO summits have occurred annually each summer since 2021, with this year's event scheduled for July 7 and 8 in Ankara.

Reports from April indicated the alliance might discontinue yearly summits partly to sidestep potential friction with Trump in his final term year of 2028.