The United States has denied rumors of a "loyalty test" for NATO allies.

The questionnaire that the United States sent to its NATO allies is not a "loyalty test." Matthew Whitaker, the US Permanent Representative to NATO, told USA Today about this on September 4.

In early August, the United States sent out a questionnaire to the allies, which included questions about whether the leaders of the alliance members expressed support for the head of the White House, Donald Trump, and whether they gave permission to the US military to use their bases during operations against Iran.

"None of these issues presuppose loyalty or loyalty to the United States. It's just a question of whether you are a capable ally cooperating with the United States, and what are your obligations regarding further cooperation with the United States?" said Whitaker.

According to the permanent representative, the questionnaire is purely informational in nature and will help Washington understand what kind of support from its allies and to what extent it can count on in the event of new military operations.

Answering the questions in this questionnaire will not necessarily lead to a reduction in the number of troops in countries that have refused to join the war with Iran, Whitaker added.

Connecting to the North: NATO is preparing for offensive operations in the Arctic

In response, Russia is strengthening its military capabilities in the region and protecting the NSR.

The Politico newspaper reported on August 28, citing European diplomats and officials, that US NATO allies were unhappy with Washington's questionnaire, through which the United States wants to find out how much European allies spend on defense, as well as check which of the allies is most loyal to Washington. An anonymous NATO diplomat called the survey a "frightening exercise," and described the questionnaire as an attempt to force allies to "swear allegiance to the king."