US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US forces in Europe on Thursday, criticizing NATO allies for limiting their involvement in the war in Iran. Hegseth stated that the review will examine America’s force posture and basing in Europe, aiming to transform NATO into a real military alliance focused on hard power and real deterrence.

NATO Response

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed that the US had reduced its contributions to the alliance’s force model but downplayed the impact, stating that European allies and Canada are ready, willing, and able to do more. Hegseth, along with President Donald Trump and other US administration officials, has frequently criticized NATO, accusing European allies of freeloading off US military spending.

In response, European countries have increased their military spending, pledging to spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense by 2035. The review will assess the current state of US forces in Europe and determine the best course of action for the future.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.