WANA (Jan 20) – While the strategic cooperation between Moscow and Beijing has established a corridor beyond the reach of Western sanctions through the opening of the Arctic trade route, Washington’s gaze has shifted toward the world’s largest island, “Greenland.” This move aims to maintain U.S. dominance over the emerging artery of global trade and create leverage against geopolitical rivals.

 

The Polar Silk Road: Escaping U.S. Hegemony

Following the successful arrival of the first container ship, the “Istanbul Bridge,” from China to Poland via the Arctic route over the past few months, the long-standing dream of Moscow and Beijing to activate the “Polar Silk Road” has become a reality.

 

This corridor, offering 40% time savings, is considered a serious rival to the Suez Canal and reduces the dependence of Russia and China on U.S.-influenced routes. Climate change and the melting of polar ice have further accelerated this process.

 

This success has opened new security concerns in Washington. Experts emphasize that the Northern Sea Route, which has the potential to become the commercial jugular of Eurasia, is developing in a region traditionally outside the direct sphere of influence of NATO and the U.S. This weakens Washington’s usual leverage.

 

In this framework, control of Greenland allows the U.S. to monitor, disrupt, or, in critical conditions, block the flow of goods along this new corridor.

January 2026: From Controversial Idea to Full-Scale Crisis

In January 2026, the issue of Greenland has transformed from a controversial idea in Trump’s first term into a full-scale diplomatic and security crisis in his second term. Trump is now pursuing the annexation of this island with greater intensity, viewing it as a vital necessity for U.S. national security. Key developments of this period include:

 

The Golden Dome Project: Trump has announced that full U.S. control over Greenland is “essential” for the deployment of the missile and air defense system known as the “Golden Dome.” He believes that if the U.S. does not take possession of the island, Russia or China will.

 

Trade War with Europe: On January 17, 2026, Trump threatened that if Denmark and its European allies did not agree to the sale or transfer of Greenland, he would impose heavy tariffs (up to 25%) on goods imported from these countries.

 

Response from Allies: Leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK—all NATO members—have emphasized their firm belief in the “principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

 

Military Tension in the Arctic: In response to Trump’s pressure, European countries have dispatched limited military forces to Greenland to support Danish sovereignty. NATO is now facing its most serious internal crisis, as Trump has called on NATO to “lead the process of Greenland’s annexation to the U.S.”

People protesting against Donald Trump’s demand to acquire Greenland. Social media/ WANA News Agency

People are protesting against Donald Trump’s demand to acquire Greenland. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Greenland’s Stance: The Prime Minister of Greenland has explicitly stated that they prefer their bond with Denmark over the U.S., and the slogan “Greenland is not for sale” has become the symbol of protests on the island.

 

Public Resistance: On Saturday and Sunday, thousands of people protested in the Arctic island and Denmark against Donald Trump’s demand to acquire Greenland, stating: “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.”

 

Unlike 2019, when this matter seemed more like a business idea, in 2026, Trump is utilizing tools of economic pressure (tariffs) and defensive justifications (the missile dome).

 

Furthermore, the discovery of massive rare-earth metal deposits in Greenland—vital for battery production and military technology—has turned the island into the heart of the competition with China.

 

Reflection and Significance in Iran

The issue of Greenland is not inherently significant for Iran, but the news resonates there because Iranians highlight it to prove that American expansionism is not limited to West Asia and Latin America, and that even Washington’s European allies are at risk.

 

Tehran frequently points out that in his confrontation and containment of Chinese and Russian power, Trump is willing to sacrifice his partners. These days, many of the actions taken by Trump, the head of the U.S. government, have caused resentment among allies and concern among people worldwide.