Iceland Keeps Its Answers to Trump’s NATO Questionnaire Secret

Icelandic authorities are refusing to reveal their answers to a questionnaire sent by the United States to other NATO governments. The questions reportedly covered governments’ positions on U.S. foreign policy, spending on purchases from American military manufacturers and restrictions placed on U.S. use of military bases.

Across Europe, officials have viewed the questionnaire as an attempt to pull European countries closer to Washington ideologically in exchange for U.S. protection. The United States is reviewing its military presence in Europe, with the work expected to finish in December. One possible outcome is a major reduction in the American presence and in the continent’s available military readiness if an attack occurs.

The questionnaire comes during heightened concern about possible Russian efforts to test NATO solidarity. U.S. intelligence agencies recently warned allies about potential actions ranging from cyberattacks to limited attacks. German and European Union authorities have said a drone carrying explosives found near Leipzig was Russian. Denmark has warned that Russia is preparing acts of sabotage, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said he cannot rule out a Russian challenge to a NATO member.

Explosives were also found near a German coal plant, and Germany sought the closure of a Russian cultural center in Berlin that it considered a base for espionage. Against this tense European setting, the questionnaire has done little to ease concerns.

Iceland’s Foreign Ministry said NATO and the United States maintain active consultations on long-term readiness and military capability. It said the document forms part of communications based on mutual trust and therefore could not be released. Kristrún Frostadóttir was among NATO leaders who met U.S. President Donald Trump at a NATO meeting this summer.

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The United States and member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization maintain active consultations on long-term readiness and U.S. military capabilities.