US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will hold talks with Denmark next week amid concerns over America's desire to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.
Rubio's statement to reporters followed a closed-door briefing with US senators and comes a day after the White House indicated that President Donald Trump had discussed military options regarding Greenland.
Concerns over the future of Greenland intensified after Trump's recent military action against Venezuela to seize control from President Nicolás Maduro.
The Trump administration argues that controlling Greenland is crucial for US national security, while Denmark warns that such aggressive actions could jeopardize the NATO alliance.
If the president identifies a threat to the national security of the United States, every president retains the option to address it through military means, Rubio stated. However, he also emphasized his preference for diplomatic solutions.
Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that Rubio ruled out the potential for an invasion of Greenland during a phone call.
Meanwhile, European leaders are rallying around Denmark, insisting that Greenland belongs to its people. They assert that only Denmark and Greenland should determine matters regarding their relationship.
Monster maps highlighting Greenland in US colors circulated on social media, adding to the tension, with residents expressing fear over being treated as a mere asset.
