Elbridge Colby & Friedrich Merz

Elbridge Colby: Colby is the US Defense Under Secretary who confirmed the review's start and outlined its goals.

Friedrich Merz: Merz stated that allies were aware of US plans and emphasized Europe's need to take care of its security.

Elbridge Colby: Elbridge Colby>>>, United States — The Pentagon>>> policy chief, has publicly stated that the United States>>> will continue to use nuclear weapons to protect NATO>>> members, even as European allies take the lead on conventional forces.

Friedrich Merz: An ongoing spat between Donald Trump>>> and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz>>>, who has criticized Donald Trump>>>'s war with Iran>>>, contributes to inflamed transatlantic tensions.

Elbridge Colby: U.S. undersecretary of defense; outlined 'NATO 3.0' strategy for greater European self-reliance.

Friedrich Merz: Merz emphasized Germany's defense spending increases and hosted a pre-summit meeting of European Union — European leaders.

Elbridge Colby: Elbridge Colby>>>, the Pentagon's second-in-command, described security talks between Israel>>>i and Lebanese military delegations in Washington as 'productive'.

Friedrich Merz: Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, criticized the United States' negotiation strategy with Iran, leading to a US troop withdrawal from Germany.

Elbridge Colby: Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy at the Pentagon, met with Vikram Misri to discuss defense exchanges and developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.