Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, highlighted the importance of security in the Arctic during his visit to Iceland and warned that America's rivals, including Russia and China, are active in this strategic region. Rubio, alongside Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, the Icelandic Foreign Minister, introduced Iceland as a vital link in the defense of North America and Europe as the first stop of his three-country trip to NATO countries.
Increasing Concerns About Military Threats
This trip comes at a time when Russia's military capabilities and clandestine activities, as well as China's growing ambitions in the Arctic, have drawn more attention to the region. Rubio stated, "Iceland is at the center of many questions regarding security and defense in our shared region. These threats are increasing, which is why focusing on the Arctic, and especially Iceland, is very critical." He also referenced a visit to the Höfði house, where the historic 1986 meeting between then U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev took place.
Development of U.S. Military Presence in Iceland
Although Rubio did not announce plans for a permanent military base in Iceland, he noted that Washington is inclined to expand its security presence in the country. He stated that the United States will work with Icelandic officials to determine what actions can be taken. He added, "I think there is a willingness to do more, and Iceland has the infrastructure and capabilities necessary to provide surveillance and awareness of the area." The United States ended its permanent military presence in Keflavik in 2006, but allied activities continue through exercises, maritime patrols, and rotational deployments.
Rubio pointed to changes in the strategic environment, stating, "The world has changed in the last 20 years. There is a lot of focus on the Arctic." He indicated that Iceland's position is significant not only for NATO's defense of Europe but also for the defense of U.S. territory. Over 1,200 Americans participated in the Northern Viking 2026 military exercise held around Iceland last month.
Economic and Military Threats in the 21st Century
Rubio emphasized that the absence of a conventional military force in Iceland will not prevent the country from participating in NATO. He stated that Iceland provides capabilities for surveillance and infrastructure for allied forces. He also referred to new threats that Iceland and its allies face, saying, "These threats are not just military; there are also economic and commercial threats that affect the national security of our countries."
These remarks reflect broader NATO concerns that the Arctic and the North Atlantic are increasingly viewed as strategic spaces for submarine activities, maritime routes, and communication infrastructure. Eiríkur Eiríksson, a senior researcher at the University of Iceland's Institute of International Affairs, emphasized that Iceland welcomes the increased security awareness of allies in the North.
Rubio also stressed the importance of economic cooperation in areas such as geothermal energy and biotechnology, stating, "Security underpins everything. If you are not secure, you cannot succeed." He suggested that while a traditional free trade agreement between the United States and Iceland may be challenging under current circumstances, the two countries can pursue closer trade and investment relations.
