US Defense Secretary Criticizes European Allies Over Security and Military Cooperation

In a meeting of NATO countries on Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a scathing attack on European allies. He announced that US military forces in Europe will undergo a comprehensive review in the next six months. He made it clear that America's military presence in the future will depend on how fast and seriously European countries take responsibility for their security. Addressing a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said that this will not just be a formal review, but its purpose is to ensure that Europe leads its own defense and reduces its dependence on the United States. Hegseth alleged that some European allies did not allow the US military to use their military bases, air routes, and essential facilities during a possible military action against Iran. He called it shameful, saying that this attitude of allied countries endangered the safety of American soldiers. The US Defense Secretary also questioned the policies of European countries. He alleged that Europe, instead of focusing on welfare resources such as tanks, combat aircraft, and air defense systems, also affected its defense budget and climate change plans.