An internal rift over defense spending and President Trump’s disregard for Ukraine have lowered expectations for the gathering.

The Hague, Netherlands — NATO leaders were gathering in the Netherlands on Tuesday for the start of a historic two-day summit that could unite the world’s biggest security organization around a new defense spending pledge or widen divisions among the 32 allies.

The escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict has further diminished Kyiv’s hopes for renewed commitments and attention from President Trump.

NATO is in turmoil just as the military alliance confronts the deadliest conflict on its doorstep since World War II. At a summit in The Hague this week, European leaders will try to convince President Donald Trump not to withdraw US troops and weaponry from the region or pull the military aid that’s helped Ukraine avoid being overrun by Russian forces.

Former U.S. ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison on the Iranian nuclear threat and the focus of the NATO summit.