The Pentagon will prepare at least four sets of options for future US troop levels and deployments in Europe. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is to receive them by 6 November, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.

The review of the US military presence is due to be completed in December. NATO allies fear it could lead to large-scale cuts to the roughly 80,000 US troops stationed across Europe. Washington has made clear that it expects European allies to assume greater responsibility for the continent’s defense.

As part of its assessment, the Pentagon will consider whether allies have a credible path to meet their NATO defense spending commitments and fill gaps in NATO crisis forces. It will also evaluate US access to bases and airspace, as well as allied support for space, cyber and intelligence infrastructure.

A decision briefing involving the top US general in Europe and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby is due to take place by 18 September and will help shape the options presented to Hegseth.

Trump has also criticized some allies for failing to grant US warplanes access to bases or airspace during the US-Israeli war against Iran or for doing so too slowly.

According to a senior Pentagon official, the review is intended to provide a broad range of options. However, some European officials privately fear that Washington’s decision is all but made.

(Reuters, lud)