Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will address senior U.S. military leaders at a meeting next week, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. He offered no additional details.

Why it matters: The gathering — reportedly in-person at a Marine Corps base in Virginia — has little precedent. • Military and congressional officials contacted by Axios were bewildered by the move and uncertain of Hegseth's intentions.

Driving the news: The Washington Post on Thursday reported Hegseth's summons was sent worldwide, looping in commanders in the Middle East, Europe and Indo-Pacific.

The intrigue: Both the Defense Department and White House have secure means to communicate across countries and timezones. • It's highly unusual to ask so many military leaders to leave their stations at the same

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