U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth Announces Review of American Forces in Europe, Proposes 'NATO 3.0' Restructuring

On June 18, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of American forces in Europe, urging European allies to take primary responsibility for their own defense under a proposed 'NATO 3.0' restructuring. Hegseth criticized European nations for denying base access for Iran operations and focusing on social policies over defense. Meanwhile, the U.S. is scaling back its Article 5 military commitments, prompting NATO to reaffirm its nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Claims

• ▪The United States is scaling back its potential military assistance under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, while maintaining its nuclear weapons in Europe
• ▪United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European policies regarding migration, gender equality, and defense budgets during a NATO meeting in Brussels
• ▪The United States signaled on June 3, 2026, that it would no longer supply certain warships, aircraft, and refueling planes if an ally comes under attack
• ▪NATO's Nuclear Planning Group issued its first statement in 19 years on June 18, 2026, reaffirming that strategic nuclear forces remain the supreme guarantee of Allied security
• ▪United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized European allies on June 18, 2026, for denying United States forces access to bases to launch attacks on Iran
• ▪The Trump administration proposed a restructuring of the 32-nation alliance into a 'NATO 3.0' capable of deterring any threat
• ▪NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on June 18, 2026, that European allies and Canada increased defense spending by $90 billion last year, representing a 20% increase over 2024
• ▪European allies and Canada have launched an effort to boost defense spending and expand their armed forces
• ▪NATO defense ministers agreed on June 18, 2026, to modernize nuclear capabilities and strengthen nuclear planning capacity
• ▪United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe on June 18, 2026