Kathmandu— The United States is evaluating the alignment of its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies with its foreign policy objectives by requesting detailed responses to a series of questions, according to reports. The move comes amid existing tensions between Washington and several European nations regarding defense spending, involvement in conflicts like the one with Iran, and restrictions placed on US forces operating from military bases within allied territories. The answers provided by NATO members could influence decisions about how the US distributes its military capabilities across the alliance.

Testing Alignment With Foreign Policy

The US recently distributed a document to NATO member governments containing questions designed to gauge their support for American foreign policy initiatives, particularly those concerning the Middle East and Western Hemisphere. The questionnaire asks whether countries have been publicly supportive of these policies, according to a copy reviewed by Bloomberg. Washington is also seeking information on any restrictions individual nations have placed on US forces stationed at military bases within their borders.

Long-Standing Disputes Over Defense Spending

President Donald Trump has consistently criticized NATO members for what he views as insufficient contributions to their own defense, repeatedly asserting that European allies rely too heavily on the United States. He highlighted this disparity earlier this summer, noting that US annual defense spending nears $1 trillion while individual European nations spend significantly less. Last year’s NATO summit in The Hague saw agreement among members to increase defense and security-related expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035, a pledge Trump initially hailed as a victory for Washington.

Iran Conflict Fuels Further Tensions

Disagreements have extended beyond financial contributions to include the US approach to Iran. Trump has voiced frustration with European allies who declined to participate more directly in the conflict and expressed dissatisfaction that “they were not there for us.” Several NATO members also refused to permit the use of jointly operated military bases for offensive operations against Iran, a decision US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled as “shameful,” claiming it endangered American troops. Despite these tensions, the US maintains a significant military presence in Europe, with Ramstein Air Base in Germany serving as a crucial logistical hub.

European Calls For Strategic Autonomy

The growing disagreements have prompted discussions within Europe about reducing reliance on the United States for security. European officials are increasingly exploring “strategic autonomy” and developing greater capacity to defend the continent independently, particularly if US priorities diverge from those of other NATO members.

The responses to the questionnaire will likely play a role in future decisions regarding the allocation of US military resources within NATO, potentially reshaping the alliance’s security landscape.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.