Quill Lawrence

Hegseth repeated Trump administration talking points about European allies paying too much attention to gender equity and climate change.

He slammed NATO allies for not joining the U.S.

and Israeli war on Iran and claimed U.S.

lives had been put at risk because some NATO countries refused to offer bases or even overflight for that war.

Hegseth said the U.S.

would adjust its NATO dues depending on which countries increase defense spending.

The Trump administration has said it will reduce military support even if a NATO country comes under attack.

But the U.S.

is bound by NATO's Article 5 that an attack on one is an attack on all.

The only time in history Article 5 was invoked was after 9-11.

Many NATO countries sent troops and material to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

It would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, an urgent economic and political priority as oil and other commodities have surged in price.

Iran could begin to sell its own oil, and billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets could be released if subsequent agreements like Iran ending its nuclear weapons program are followed.

The official also said if Iran doesn't live up to its end, the U.S.

could easily resume bombing.

Israel is not a party to the agreement, but it could be a spoiler if Washington cannot restrain the Israeli government from attacking Iran's proxy force in Lebanon.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.

It would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, an urgent economic and political priority as oil and other commodities have surged in price.

Iran could begin to sell its own oil, and billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets could be released if subsequent agreements like Iran ending its nuclear weapons program are followed.