U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sharply criticized certain NATO countries for insufficient defense spending and their stance on the war involving Iran. He also announced the beginning of a review of the American military presence in Europe, Reuters reports, according to UNN.
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Speaking to the Alliance's defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth stated that Washington would evaluate the contributions of allies to collective security.
"This is a test that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colors,"
According to Hegseth, the U.S. is beginning an analysis of its troop deployments on the European continent. At the same time, he did not specify which criteria would be applied during this review or whether it could lead to a reduction of the American military presence in specific countries.
Reuters notes that the statement comes amid long-standing calls from President Donald Trump's administration for NATO allies to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for Europe's security.
It is expected that the issue of defense burden-sharing among allies will be one of the key topics of the upcoming NATO summit.
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