Hegseth criticizes allies for failing to support U.S., announces review of American forces in Europe

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday blasted European allies for failing to provide the U.S. military with access to bases from which attacks on Iran could be launched. 

He called the lack of support "shameful" and said there will be a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The timeline will depend on how quickly Europe assumes primary responsibility for its own defense, NBC News reported. 

Hegseth made the comments at a NATO meeting in Brussels. He said that by denying access to the bases, American allies put "sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk." 

He said that Europe must take the lead on its own defense of the continent and turn NATO into a "real hard-line military alliance."