Key facts
- The US, Denmark, and Greenland signed a security deal for the Arctic island on Tuesday.
- Denmark stated the agreement places Arctic security under NATO's purview.
- US President Donald Trump claimed the deal grants the US 'permanent control' over Greenland's security.
- The agreement allows the US to block sensitive investments in Greenland by adversaries.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed the deal ahead of his first meeting with President Trump.
Denmark, Greenland, and the United States signed a security agreement for Greenland on Tuesday, an accord Denmark stated places Arctic security under NATO's watch rather than solely Washington and Copenhagen. The deal, signed at the UN General Assembly in New York, follows months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told national broadcaster TV2 on Sunday that the agreement would mean "to a large extent it would be NATO that looks after the Arctic." A NATO spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that the alliance welcomed the agreement, stating it would "help advance security, stability and cooperation in this vital region." Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday that the agreement gives the United States "permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland," adding that no US adversary could have a base or military presence there without Washington's written approval. Denmark has not directly responded to Trump's claim, though it has acknowledged underinvesting in Greenland's defense and pledged to expand its military presence on the island. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, welcomed the deal ahead of his first meeting with Trump.