Marco Rubio Opens NATO Tour in Iceland Amid Arctic Concerns
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has begun a three-country NATO tour in Iceland, where Arctic security and closer defence and energy ties are on the agenda amid concerns over Washington’s approach to Greenland.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a three-country tour of NATO allies with a visit to Iceland on October 6, with Arctic security, defence cooperation and economic ties among the key issues. He will also travel to Greece and Portugal before returning to Washington on October 8.
The Iceland visit comes amid lingering concerns over US President Donald Trump’s Arctic ambitions, particularly after his previous calls for greater US control over Greenland. A recent security agreement involving the US, Denmark and Greenland has eased some of those tensions, but Iceland remains attentive to Washington’s approach in the region.
Rubio has described Iceland as a “good friend” and said the visit is aimed at advancing a secure Arctic, stronger commercial and energy ties and closer defence cooperation. Iceland has no standing military and relies on NATO and US security arrangements.
Trump’s previous social media posts involving Iceland and Greenland have also caused concern in Reykjavik. Iceland’s foreign minister summoned the US ambassador after one such post.
Rubio’s wider tour will also address defence and energy cooperation with Greece and defence, economic and technology ties with Portugal.
