UK-US defence coordination and NATO spending

In late July 2026, newly appointed UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting held a “very warm” conversation with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, exploring a joint defence summit that would bring together allies of Britain and the United States. The discussion covered a possible international defence conference, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO obligations after previous restrictions on U.S. use of British bases for strikes against Iran.

Two days later, Streeting told Sky News that Europe would ultimately thank President Donald Trump for prompting a reassessment of defence‑spending complacency. He reiterated the UK’s refusal to support any U.S. offensive against Iran while pledging cooperation on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks highlighted a broader UK pivot toward a more assertive transatlantic stance and underscored ongoing tensions over European defence contributions within NATO.