BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe. The review’s outcome will depend on how quickly European allies take responsibility for their own security. Hegseth criticized NATO allies on Thursday for not providing access to bases for U.S. forces to launch attacks on Iran. He also accused Europe of prioritizing gender equity and climate change over defense. The review could impact NATO’s collective security guarantee, but U.S. nuclear weapons will remain in Europe. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted a significant increase in European defense spending.
U.S. lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officials
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel. It happened Thursday as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. The visit might have helped start talks on the next, potentially even more critical, round of negotiations between the two sides. Hours later, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S. in a statement read by state media.
Vance, skeptical of foreign wars, becomes the face of Trump’s tentative deal to end war with Iran
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – APRIL 12: Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, April 12, 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin – Pool/Getty Images)
