Hegseth blasts NATO allies

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AFP June 19, 2026 Less than a minute read

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BRUSSELS:

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO Thursday 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.

"This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defence of Europe," Hegseth told a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.

"It's a review that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colours."

The Pentagon chief said the move was also aimed at ensuring US "access, basing and overflight are clearly delineated and assured" after some European nations imposed restrictions on US forces during the Iran war.