Hegseth announces in Brussels a review of U.S. forces in Europe : NPR

Key Points:

• U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, emphasizing that its outcome depends on how quickly European NATO allies take primary responsibility for their own defense.
• Hegseth criticized European allies for denying U.S. forces access to bases for potential attacks on Iran, calling it "shameful" and accusing them of putting American troops at risk.
• He also condemned European policies on migration, gender equality, and defense spending, claiming these priorities have weakened Europe's military capabilities, though these claims were challenged by recent increases in European defense budgets.
• The U.S. plans to scale back military support to NATO allies in crises, no longer guaranteeing supply of certain warships, aircraft, and other assets, as it reallocates resources to prepare for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
• NATO reaffirmed the central role of its nuclear deterrent, with the Nuclear Planning Group issuing its first statement in 19 years, committing to modernize and strengthen NATO's nuclear capabilities as a core security guarantee.