Pentagon Reviews US Military Presence in Europe
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized NATO allies for not spending enough on defense. He also criticized allies for not supporting the US during the Iran war.
Hegseth called European allies who declined base access for Iran strikes 'shameful'. The Pentagon will now run a six-month review of US troops in Europe.
The review will judge which countries meet defense spending targets. US payments to NATO will depend on allies meeting those targets.
NATO members pledged last year to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. But many say they may not reach that target.
Reports say the US is asking allies to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on defense. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the US may cut troops in Europe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said members are on the right path. But he said they need more time to meet expectations.
Key Terms 4
- Pentagon The US Defense Department building and leadership
- NATO Military alliance of 32 countries in Europe and North America
- GDP Total value of everything a country produces in a year
- Force posture How and where a country positions its military forces