US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in his speech to the US House Armed Services Committee, shared plans to expand the country's nuclear deterrence capacity. Hegseth stated that the US will modernize its nuclear triad and develop new options for deterrence and escalation management. He also expressed that military superiority in the Western Hemisphere will be reestablished. The Secretary said the US is ready to use military force when necessary to protect its interests.
Hegseth announced that sanctions will be imposed on NATO allies who do not support the Iran operation. Emphasizing that allies must take responsibility in Europe's defense, the Secretary stated that special support will be provided to allies showing solidarity. The US will continue to demand that allies take primary responsibility in Europe's conventional defense.
The statements by the US Defense Secretary are considered part of the country's strategy to strengthen its nuclear deterrence capacity and increase its military presence in the Western Hemisphere.