Hegseth blasts NATO allies, says U.S. will review forces in Europe
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of U.S. force presence in Europe, pressuring NATO allies to increase defense spending. The move follows tensions regarding European support during the recent war in Iran.
Why it matters
This signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, impacting the stability and funding structure of the NATO alliance.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO on Thursday (June 18, 2026) the Pentagon will review its force presence in Europe within six months, as he lashed out at allies over defence spending and their response to the Iran war.
The framing emphasizes the U.S. administration's critical stance on NATO allies' spending and their perceived lack of support, reflecting a nationalist-leaning foreign policy perspective.
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