NATO

 

Iran war reinforces strategies for Baltic defense, Navy commander says

By 

Alison Bath

Stars and Stripes • June 18, 2026

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Sailors deployed a K3 Scout unmanned surface vessel into the Port of Gdynia, Poland, during the Baltic Operations exercise on June 12, 2026. Vice Admiral Jeffrey Anderson, commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, stated that the war in the Middle East serves as a proof of concept for naval strategies aimed at deterring Russian aggression in critical maritime chokepoints, such as the Baltic Sea. (Sandi Grimnes Moreno/U.S. Navy)

RIGA, Latvia — The recent war in the Middle East is proving core naval principles for the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa, particularly when it comes to deterring aggression in critical maritime chokepoints such as the Baltic Sea, the commander of U.S. 6th Fleet said this week.

The past several months, which saw Iran attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, have reinforced the importance of key strategies such as naval domination of a waterway and limiting an adversary’s access to the sea, said Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson.

Finnish lawmakers vote to lift ban on nuclear weapons deployments

By 

John Vandiver

Stars and Stripes • June 18, 2026

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Air Force Capt. Kevin Lynch, a pilot with the 493rd Fighter Squadron, exits an F-35A Lightning II at Pirkkala Air Base, Finland, on June 3, 2026. Finland this week took a step toward lifting its ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory. (Sarah Hedgman/ U.S. Air Force)

Finland this week took a step toward lifting its ban on the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory, a move that puts the country in sync with NATO’s deterrent mission.

The country’s parliament voted Wednesday to lift the ban, advancing the measure to President Alexander Stubb for a decision on approval.

Hegseth puts allies on notice as Pentagon eyes new Europe force posture

By 

John Vandiver

Stars and Stripes • June 18, 2026

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at a press conference following a NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium, in February 2025. (Alexander C. Kubitza/U.S. Navy)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a new review of the U.S. force posture in Europe while warning that allies who fall short on defense commitments will face consequences.

During a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Hegseth said future troop deployments and base locations in Europe could be altered depending on how allies align with Pentagon priorities, including the recent U.S. war against Iran.