Iceland has summoned the US Ambassador after Trump posted a map showing the Island country as part of US (Image: US Embassy, Iceland)
Reykjavik: A fresh diplomatic controversy has erupted between Iceland and the United States after President Donald Trump shared a map on social media that showed Iceland and several other regions covered under the American flag. Following the post, Iceland’s Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador and termed the move 'completely inappropriate'.
As per to Icelandic broadcaster RUV, Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir called US Ambassador Billy Long for a formal discussion over the controversial social media post.
The controversy began after Trump uploaded an image on his Truth Social platform without providing any explanation. The map displayed the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean under the US flag, with the entire region labelled as the United States of America'. The post immediately sparked reactions, with Icelandic officials questioning the message behind the image.
Iceland’s Foreign Ministry informed RUV that the country had clearly communicated its concerns to the US ambassador. “The position was clearly expressed that the post was completely inappropriate,” the ministry said. The US State Department, along with American diplomatic missions in Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Nuuk, did not immediately issued a response regarding the controversy.
The latest diplomatic disagreement comes amid continuing tensions over Greenland. Trump’s repeated comments in recent years about the United States acquiring Greenland have created concerns in Denmark, Europe and among NATO allies. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and holds major strategic importance due to its location in the Arctic region, natural resources and military significance.
The Greenland issue also influenced political discussions in Iceland. Last month, Iceland voted against reopening talks on joining the European Union. Some supporters of restarting EU membership discussions argued that concerns over US reliability and changing global politics made stronger European ties necessary. However, analysts said domestic economic issues played a bigger role in the final outcome.
Trump’s latest post came shortly after the European Commission announced a €200 million investment package for Greenland during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Greenland’s government and people have repeatedly made their position clear that they do not want to become part of the United States.
“The Greenlandic government and the Greenlandic people have said again and again that they do not want to be American,” Frederiksen said.
The Arctic region has become increasingly important for global powers due to its strategic location, shipping routes and natural resources. The latest Iceland-US controversy has once again brought attention to the growing geopolitical competition in the region.
