The president addressed the fact that NATO forces have been operational in Afghanistan for more than a decade, noting that the alliance’s presence remains in line with long‑standing commitments made by member states. His remarks, circulated through official transcripts, described the troops as part of a broader multinational effort aimed at stability in the region, without referencing any specific operational changes or strategic shifts. bDuring a statement/b the president reiterated the importance of collective security frameworks and reaffirmed support for partner nations maintaining a contingency in Afghanistan.i_2_/iThe focus then shifted to the Chagos Islands, a cluster of atolls in the Indian Ocean that were, in 1965, placed under British administration after the British government removed the local population. The islands currently serve as a U.S. leasing arrangement for a naval base. The president’s statements highlighted his administration’s involvement in agreements that allow U.S. forces to continue operations there, citing national security interests and strategic partnership agreements signed in 1973. The commentary underscored that the leasing arrangement is maintained under a long‑term treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States, with the president noting the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the base’s administrative arrangement. i_3_/iThese remarks have attracted attention in political circles, with the eastern press focusing on the defense implications for NATO operations and the Southwestern coverage analyzing the diplomatic nuances of the Chagos leasing framework. The administration maintains that its statements are consistent with established policy positions, and no new policy shifts have been announced as of the latest briefing. The coverage reflects a sustained interest in detail about both NATO troop presence in Afghanistan and the longstanding United States naval lease in the Chagos Islands.