Rubio visits Iceland as US boosts Arctic presence
Washington has no permanent base in Iceland but seeks to consolidate control over Arctic routes coveted by Russia and China.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Iceland on Monday to strengthen US interests in the Arctic region. This comes two weeks after the US signed a security pact with Denmark and Greenland, addressing President Trump's threats to acquire or annex Greenland. The agreement has reportedly put an end to those concerns. The visit is symbolic and political, as Rubio will meet with Icelandic officials to discuss economic and security collaboration.
Iceland, which relies on NATO for its security and has never had a military, sees this as a strategic move. The US plans to establish two new military bases in Greenland, further integrating the Danish territory into American influence. Before his trip to Iceland, Rubio will travel to Athens to participate in a strategic dialogue with Greece on regional and energy security.
This trip is significant as the wars in Iran and Ukraine have highlighted the vulnerability of energy supply chains, with Greece aiming to become a key hub for natural gas transport in southeastern Europe. The visit also follows reports about potential conflicts of interest involving the US ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has ties to Trump Jr and Gavin Newsom. Rubio concludes his European tour with a brief stop in Lisbon.
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