Marco Rubio begins NATO tour with Iceland visit amid unease over Trump's Arctic plans

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has begun a three-nation tour of NATO allies, arriving in Iceland on Tuesday as unease continues over the Trump administration’s intentions in the Arctic.

The visit comes after a deal was reached last month to ease President Donald Trump’s plans involving neighbouring Greenland, a self-governing territory of NATO ally Denmark.

Rubio described Iceland as “a good friend” and did not signal any fresh tensions with the NATO member, which does not have its own army. Before the Greenland agreement, Iceland had occasionally featured in Trump’s comments and social media posts criticising NATO allies for not doing enough to support the US.

Rubio is also scheduled to visit Greece and Portugal before returning to Washington on Thursday.

Iceland uneasy over Trump's Arctic stance

Rubio has frequently been called upon to reassure US partners following controversial remarks by Trump, including his repeated references to Canada as the 51st state and his threats to take control of Greenland.

Ahead of his departure from Washington on Monday, Rubio described Iceland, Greece and Portugal as “strong allies” that are important to US national interests. He did not suggest that his trip was aimed at clarifying the administration’s broader approach to the Arctic, NATO or Europe.

Rubio said on social media that his Iceland visit would “advance our shared priorities: a secure Arctic, stronger commercial and energy ties, and closer defence cooperation.”

However, Trump sparked concern in Iceland last month after posting a map showing US flag colours across North America, extending to Greenland and Iceland.

Iceland Foreign Secretary Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, who is due to meet Rubio on Tuesday, subsequently summoned US Ambassador Billy Long and said she had made clear that the post was unacceptable.

US ambassador's comments draw attention

Iceland has also been unsettled by comments from Long. Before taking up his post in August, thousands of Icelanders signed a petition urging the prime minister to reject his appointment after he joked about Iceland becoming the 52nd US state and him becoming governor. Long later apologised.

The controversy comes as Rubio heads to Greece, where another US ambassador, Kimberly Guilfoyle, has faced allegations of misconduct.

Greece visit comes amid ambassador row

US Rep Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he would investigate allegations concerning Guilfoyle and could seek her dismissal if the reported conduct was confirmed.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle had made comments about the US being able to undermine the Greek government, promoted the interests of a Greek construction and energy company and allowed its lobbyist into private diplomatic meetings.

Guilfoyle has denied wrongdoing, while Rubio has defended her, calling her “an incredible advocate for the president's agenda in Greece and across Europe”.

The Trump administration considers Greece important for promoting and exporting US-produced liquefied natural gas to southeastern and central Europe.