- Pete Hegseth , the US defense secretary, has announced a review of US forces in Europe, stating that the era of allies "free riding" on American defense spending is over.
- Speaking at a NATO meeting in Brussels, Hegseth criticized European nations, including the UK , for not meeting defense spending targets and for their reluctance to support US actions in the Iran conflict.
- Hegseth declared that the US would no longer pay disproportionately for NATO's defense, and American contributions would become contingent on other allies fulfilling their spending commitments.
- Britain's new defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, attended the summit without the UK's long-awaited defense investment plan, which has been delayed due to internal political disputes over funding.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the US stance, confirming that European members are actively working to replace the battlefield kit the US is withdrawing and are prepared to increase their contributions.
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