United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, citing concerns over defense spending and allied cooperation during the recent war in Iran.
Key points
- The review aims to ensure North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies take primary responsibility for European defense.
- Hegseth criticized certain allies for denying US forces access to bases and overflight rights during the Iran conflict.
- Washington plans to make contributions to NATO organizational costs contingent on allies meeting specific defense spending targets.
- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended the review as a prudent measure to maintain pressure on member states.
Why it matters
The announcement signals a significant shift in the US military posture and commitment to European security, potentially straining relations within the NATO alliance ahead of a major summit.
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