US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has described the refusal of some allies to support American military operations against Iran as 'unconscionable', warning that Washington 'will remember'. In a written statement to congressional appropriations subcommittees, Hegseth singled out NATO members for criticism, saying there would be 'consequences' for those that 'do not step up'.
Hegseth and President Donald Trump have previously criticised the UK for its reluctance to become more involved in the Middle East conflict. The latest rebuke comes as the cost of the Iran war has risen to around $29 billion (£21.4 billion), up from $25 billion (£18.5 billion) two weeks ago. The mounting expense and impact on US weapons stockpiles have raised concerns on Capitol Hill.
In his statement, Hegseth said NATO had become 'beset by freeriding' and needed to change, with allies 'finally stepping up and making good on their commitments to our collective defence'. He added: 'Not all allies have gotten the message, and where they do not step up, there will be consequences.' He praised 'model allies' including Israel, South Korea, Poland, Finland and the Baltic states, but notably omitted the UK and France.
The conflict, triggered by US and Israeli strikes, has led to soaring petrol prices in the US—up more than 50%—and a global energy crisis after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. The US imposed its own blockade of Iranian ports, leading to a stand-off. The economic impact has fuelled domestic discontent and Republican concerns ahead of the November midterm elections.
President Trump has dismissed the economic cost, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is paramount. He has also said the Iran ceasefire is on 'life support' and rejected Tehran's peace proposal as 'garbage', causing oil prices to spike again. Meanwhile, the US has announced plans to pull 5,000 troops from Germany, and Trump has threatened to withdraw personnel from Italy and Spain over their stance on the war.
During congressional hearings, Hegseth faced criticism from Republicans over the White House's fractious relations with long-term allies. Senator Mitch McConnell said: 'NATO is the most important military alliance in world history. It seems to me that a lot of the European countries think that we're reducing our influence there, they're sort of on their own.' Congressman Tom Cole added: 'America First has never meant America alone. American power is most effective when it's exercised in concert with like-minded nations who share our interests and our values.'
