Iceland 'sits at center' of regional defense questions as threats grow: Rubio

"The location of this country between the United States and Europe and the High North means that it sits at the ... center of many of the questions surrounding the security and defense of our shared region," Rubio told reporters during a joint appearance with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir in Reykjavik, warning that “today, those threats are growing, which is why this focus on the Arctic in general and Iceland in particular is so critical.”

Rubio pointed to geopolitical friction in the polar expanse, cautioning that "potential adversaries and real competitors," along with associated commercial entities, are operating against allied interests. He argued that military deterrence offers “the best prevention of violence and the best preventer of war.”

Asked about a potential US military buildup in Iceland, Rubio said Washington "would never do anything without cooperating" with Iceland, noting "there's a willingness to do more together."

Undersea infrastructure and commercial ties

Rubio raised alarms over vulnerabilities spanning the High North, citing "irregular measures, covert measures that are happening, but also threats to undersea cables, threats to shipping lanes" as key factors driving the heightened focus on the Arctic.

On the economic front, Rubio ruled out comprehensive multilateral accords, arguing that "the era of free trade agreements for the foreseeable future is probably not going to be there" while advocating for a reciprocal bilateral trade understanding.

He highlighted Reykjavik's contributions beyond security, noting that Icelandic landscapes served as training grounds for the Apollo program and "continue to host training missions for the Artemis missions," alongside joint opportunities in geothermal energy, biotechnology, and marine sectors.

Addressing Ukraine's push for NATO integration, Rubio said that membership "is not on the table as we speak" due to required alliance consensus, adding that Washington remains focused on bringing the war to an end.

Defense ties with US remain ‘strong’

Iceland’s foreign minister, meanwhile, said the two countries enjoy a strong and enduring friendship.

“We are allies, we are friends, and we will continue working very closely to strengthen and deepen our good relationship,” Gunnarsdottir said.

Highlighting the countries’ 1951 bilateral defense agreement, Gunnarsdottir said they work together to safeguard the High North, North Atlantic, and Arctic.

Asked about US forces being needed elsewhere, she said Rubio had explained Washington’s reasoning during their meeting.

“I want to underline our really strong cooperation in terms of defense and security, and there is no change in that,” she added.

Talks also covered opportunities to expand investment in geothermal energy, data centers, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, alongside Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and China, she further said.

Bilateral diplomacy and regional visits

During his trip, Rubio met Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir and toured Hofdi House, the historic site of the 1986 Reykjavik Summit between US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Rubio and Frostadottir "explored new opportunities" for economic collaboration, including avenues for increasing Iceland’s electricity output, deepening technology cooperation, and increasing cooperation on pharmaceuticals, according to a statement by the US State Department.

The two also discussed Iceland’s "inaugural defense and security policy and reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral defense partnership," the statement said.

The visit follows recent bilateral friction after US President Donald Trump alarmed Icelanders by sharing an image displaying US flag colors across Greenland and Iceland. Gunnarsdottir summoned US Ambassador Billy Long to protest the post as unacceptable.

Rubio will travel to Greece and Portugal before returning to Washington on Thursday.