U.S. Seeks Deeper Arctic Security Ties with Iceland During Marco Rubio’s Reykjavik Visit

On October 6, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a joint news conference with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir in Reykjavík. The talks focused on Arctic security, economic cooperation, and the future of U.S.–Iceland defense collaboration.

Rubio says no US military buildup in Iceland without Reykjavík’s consent The Straits TimesU.S. Seeks to Expand Military Cooperation with Iceland in the Arctic

Iceland has been a NATO member since 1949 and signed a bilateral defense agreement with the United States in 1951. A permanent U.S. military presence at Keflavík operated until 2006; cooperation has continued through NATO exercises and maritime surveillance.

Iceland is a good friend of the United States,” Marco Rubio visiting Iceland after US -Denmark-Greenland deal

In September 2026 the United States, Denmark, and Greenland concluded a security pact that will allow two new U.S. bases in Greenland, ending President Donald Trump’s public threats to annex the territory. Earlier that year Trump’s AI-generated map that overlaid the U.S. flag on Iceland and Greenland prompted Reykjavík to summon U.S. Ambassador Billy Long and label the image “wholly inappropriate.”

France 24The Straits TimesIceland is a good friend of the United States,” Marco Rubio visiting Iceland after US -Denmark-Greenland deal

• Iceland’s population is roughly 400,000 people.

Rubio says no US military buildup in Iceland without Reykjavík’s consent

• The island lies about 180 miles (290 km) from Greenland, underscoring its strategic relevance to Arctic routes.

Iceland is a good friend of the United States,” Marco Rubio visiting Iceland after US -Denmark-Greenland deal

Rubio framed Iceland’s location as “critical for our collective security” and highlighted threats to undersea cables and shipping lanes as drivers of heightened Arctic focus.

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

Gunnarsdóttir noted that the recent U.S.–Denmark–Greenland agreement was “important for the region” and that Iceland remains committed to “future-focused” security cooperation.

Iceland is a good friend of the United States,” Marco Rubio visiting Iceland after US -Denmark-Greenland deal The Straits TimesFrance 24

• “For decades this nation, Iceland, has occupied a critical strategic position for our collective security and that remains true today more than ever before,” — State Secretary Marco Rubio

The Straits Times

• “We are allies, we are friends, and we will continue working very closely to strengthen and deepen our good relationship,” — Þórgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir

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

Rubio told reporters he would not “directly tie” the recent removal of U.S. B-1 bombers from the British base at Fairford to the Icelandic visit, indicating no immediate link between that action and any planned Arctic buildup. No U.S. official has provided details on whether new permanent facilities will be established in Iceland, leaving the scope of future military infrastructure unclear.

Al Jazeera (website)

After departing Reykjavík on October 6, 2026, Rubio traveled to Athens for the sixth U.S.–Greece Strategic Dialogue and then to Lisbon for discussions on defense and technology cooperation, reflecting a broader U.S. effort to reinforce NATO allies across the High North and the Mediterranean.

The Straits Times