Pentagon to Present Hegseth With Troop Options for Europe by November 6

A Pentagon review examining the future of US troop deployments across Europe will deliver at least four sets of options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, well ahead of the review’s official December deadline, according to internal planning documents. NATO allies have expressed concern that the six-month review, announced in June, could result in significant cuts to the roughly 80,000 US troops currently stationed across the continent.

Key Briefing Set for Mid-September

The Pentagon’s internal planning document outlines a decision briefing scheduled for September 18, where the top US general in Europe will meet with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby to help shape the options presented to Hegseth. Colby is also expected to brief NATO ambassadors directly at the alliance’s Brussels headquarters this week, though some European officials privately worry that Washington has already made up its mind regardless of the review’s outcome.

Allies Face Scrutiny Over Spending and Access

The review will evaluate whether NATO members are meeting their defense spending commitments and addressing gaps in the alliance’s crisis response forces. It also examines allied support in areas like space, cyber capabilities, and intelligence infrastructure. A Pentagon questionnaire sent to allies asks pointed questions about any restrictions placed on US military access, basing, and overflight rights, with responses due by Friday.

Tensions Rooted in Iran War Response

The review comes amid frustration from the Trump administration over what it views as inadequate support from some European allies during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, including delays or refusals in granting basing and overflight access. A senior Pentagon official said the process aims to present a full range of options, from maintaining current force levels to significant reductions, as the administration pushes allies to take on a larger share of their own defense responsibilities.