For decades, “Iceland has occupied a critical strategic position for our collective security, and that remains true today more than ever before,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio on his recent visit there.
“The location of this country between the United States and Europe and the High North means that ... Iceland sits at the center of many of the questions surrounding the security and the defense of our shared region.”
“Today those threats are growing,” warned Secretary Rubio, “which is why this focus on the Arctic in general and Iceland in particular is so critical.” Our potential adversaries, competitors, and the predatory industries associated with them are already acting against our interests, he said. “And so, it’s important that we continue to cooperate in the security realm.”
As a NATO member, Iceland is a contributor to collective security and shares the burden of defending the region. “We want to continue to build upon that [relationship] as a way to prevent conflict,” said Secretary Rubio.
“History teaches us that deterrence is the best prevention of violence and the best preventer of war.” Since the Second World War, Iceland has allowed the U.S. military access to its land, air, and sea to monitor clandestine behavior and deter adversaries from entering Iceland’s sovereign territory and the sovereign territory of mutual allies.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 U.S.-Iceland Defense Agreement. “Just last month, over 1,200 Americans participated along with our allies in the Northern Viking 2026 military exercise, something that’s occurred every year and will continue to occur,” cited Secretary Rubio.
“But Iceland is not just an important security partner; it is a critical partner in our mutual economic interests for the foreseeable future,” the Secretary said. Iceland’s expertise in geothermal energy, biotechnology, and marine industries present opportunities for greater commercial and technological cooperation.
The U.S. and Iceland discussed how to develop additional opportunities for economic investment in their respective countries. “That’s how you continue to build upon the economic bonds that lead to our shared prosperity,” declared Secretary Rubio.
“You can see why people fall in love with [Iceland] and you can see why Americans are fascinated by it,” said Secretary Rubio. “We want to build upon that both in the tourism sector, in the economic sector, and in our enduring security cooperation.”