Donald Trump, Iran Tensions and the Greenland Gambit:
Is the “Self-Proclaimed Peace President” Reshaping Global Order?
Former US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he stopped wars and acted as a “peace president.”
 |
| Peace President |
However, developments since the beginning of this year paint a very different picture — one marked by military threats, geopolitical pressure, and growing global uncertainty.
From Venezuela to Iran, and now Greenland, Trump’s actions and statements suggest an aggressive recalibration of American power rather than restraint.
This article examines two major flashpoints currently dominating global attention:the situation in Iran and Trump’s escalating push to bring Greenland under American control.
Iran: Did the Situation Really Change in 24 Hours?
On January 13, Donald Trump posted a cryptic message suggesting that help was on the way to “take over institutions” in Iran.
Just one day later, on January 14, he softened his tone, stating that killings in Iran were decreasing and that the US was adopting a “wait and see” approach.
 |
| Addiction |
This sudden shift raised a key question:
Did conditions inside Iran actually improve within 24 hours, or was this a strategic recalculation by Washington?
Threats, Television Warnings, and Closed Airspace
Iranian state television aired footage of a past assassination attempt on Trump, accompanied by a warning that “this time the target will not be missed.”
Shortly afterward:
Iran closed its airspace on January 14
Reopened it on January 15
Citing fears of possible US military action
Meanwhile, Trump avoided making any firm commitment during a White House press conference — neither confirming nor completely ruling out military intervention.
The Irfan Sultani Case: Execution Averted?
Human rights groups claimed that Irfan Sultani, arrested during protests near Tehran, was scheduled to be executed on January 14.
However, on January 15, a Reuters report quoted Iranian state media denying the claim.
According to Iranian authorities:
Sultani faces charges related to propaganda against the Islamic system
And activities against national security
These charges do not carry the death penalty
Tehran, for now, is being described as relatively calm.
From Iran to Greenland: Trump Shifts His Focus
Even as tensions with Iran appeared to ease, Trump redirected global attention toward Greenland.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated bluntly:
“Anything short of US control over Greenland is unacceptable.”
He argued that Greenland is essential for:
US national security
Countering Russian and Chinese influence
Supporting America’s long-term Arctic defense strategy
Why Greenland Matters So Much
Greenland sits at the heart of the Arctic region, a zone of rapidly increasing geopolitical competition.
 |
| Greenland |
Key facts:
Roughly 80% of Greenland is covered in ice
Ice thickness reaches up to 4 kilometers
The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world
Vast Untapped Resources
Beneath the ice lie:
~30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas
~13% of undiscovered oil
Rare earth minerals, gold, platinum, copper, titanium, and molybdenum
These resources explain why the US, Russia, and China are all closely watching Greenland.
Europe Pushes Back: A Diplomatic Confrontation
On January 14, talks in Washington between:
Danish officials
Greenlandic representatives
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Vice President J.D. Vance
ended without agreement.
Denmark made its position clear:
“No compromise on Greenland’s sovereignty.”
Soon after, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, and Poland released a joint statement supporting Denmark and warning against any attempt to alter Greenland’s status.
NATO and the Greenland Dilemma
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark — and Denmark is a NATO member.
This places Greenland indirectly under NATO’s security umbrella.
The concern:
If the US uses force, would NATO’s Article 5 apply?
Could the US block NATO intervention against itself?
Experts warn that such a scenario would place NATO in an unprecedented crisis, with no historical precedent.
Can Europe Actually Stop the United States?
Despite strong rhetoric, Europe faces severe limitations:
Military dependence on the US
Economic interdependence
Ongoing reliance on American support in Ukraine
Analysts widely agree:
Europe is not prepared to confront the US militarily
Any armed resistance would risk total strategic collapse
Symbolic gestures — troop deployments and joint exercises — are largely aimed at domestic audiences rather than deterrence.
Trump’s Real Motivation: Security or Legacy?
Global tensions under Trump
Trump latest controversial statements
New Cold War Arctic region
US power politics 2026
Europe reacts to Trump Greenland moveSeveral former US diplomats suggest that Greenland is less about immediate security and more about legacy.
Key points:
A 1951 US-Denmark agreement already allows the US to station troops in Greenland
American companies can legally apply for mining licenses without changing sovereignty
Yet Trump insists on full ownership or control
This has led many to conclude that Trump seeks a historic territorial expansion — something no US president has achieved in decades.
Likely Outcome: Expansion Without Annexation?
European diplomats appear to be pursuing a middle path:
Expanding US military access under existing treaties
Enhancing Arctic surveillance
Strengthening NATO’s Arctic presence
Without transferring sovereignty
Such a move could offer Trump a symbolic victory while preserving Greenland’s legal status.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s actions challenge the image of a peace-focused leader.
Instead, they reveal a strategy centered on dominance, symbolism, and legacy — even at the cost of destabilizing alliances.
Whether it is Iran, Greenland, or NATO itself, one question now looms large:
Can the world contain Donald Trump’s ambitions — or will global institutions bend under their weight?
Joint Statement on Greenland (6/01/2026)
Statement by President Macron of France, Chancellor Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Tusk of Poland, Prime Minister Sánchez of Spain, Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark on Greenland.
Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security.
NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority and European Allies are stepping up. We and many other Allies have increased our presence, activities and investments, to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries. The Kingdom of Denmark - including Greenland is part of NATO.
Security in the Arctic must therefore be achieved collectively, in conjunction with NATO allies including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them.
The United States is an essential partner in this endeavour, as a NATO ally and through the defence agreement between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States of 1951.
Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.
No comments: