Hegseth flays Nato allies

BRUSSELS MEET | US defence secy orders Europe troop review

AP

Brussels 

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday anno­unc­ed a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe, saying future deployments would depend on how quickly European allies assume greater responsibility for their own security.

At a Nato meet in Brussels, Hegseth said the review would ensure the alliance moves towards Europe taking primary responsibility for its defence. He criticised some European allies for denying US forces access to bases and airspace for potential operations against Iran, calling the decision “shameful”.

Hegseth attacked European policies on migration and gender equality, arguing defe­nce priorities had shifted away from military preparedness. His remarks come as Nato members increase defence spending amid security concerns. Nato head Mark Rutte said allies and Canada spent $90 billion more on defence last year, a 20% rise over 2024.

Trump govt is pushing for a stronger and more self-reliant alliance, which Hegseth dubbed “Nato 3.0”. The comments follow recent US signals it may reduce military support commitments to allies. These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all.

Pete hegseth, US Defence Secretary 

US interested in Polish offer for permanent military base

Warsaw: The US has expressed interest in a Polish proposal to establish a permanent US military base in Poland, Dy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk said on Wednesday. A day after Polish government approved steps to allow such a base, Tomczyk said the resolution was an invitation to Washington and that both countries could finance the project. Around 10,000 US troops are stationed in Poland, mostly on a rotational basis. Poland hopes to secure a permanent presence as the US reviews its military deployment across Europe.

—AP