NATO on edge as Hegseth weighs four options for U.S. troops in Europe

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump attend the dignified transfer of four US service members killed in the Middle East at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware (AP)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will receive at least four distinct options for U.S. troop dispositions in Europe by November 6, ahead of a December deadline.
The ongoing six-month review, launched in June, has sparked concern among NATO allies about potential reductions to the approximately 80,000 U.S. troops stationed in Europe.
President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with allies over defense spending pledges and insufficient support during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby is scheduled to brief NATO ambassadors in Brussels on the progress of the evaluation.
NATO allies have until Friday to respond to a U.S. questionnaire assessing their defense strategies, operational restrictions, and foreign policy alignment.