Greenland Arctic Security Agreement, U.S. Russia-Iran Sanctions and Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Statement

Denmark’s Prime Minister’s Office said on September 18 that Greenland, Denmark and the United States expected to sign an agreement the following week to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The governments expected the signing to take place at the United Nations General Assembly.

The Danish statement said the agreement would enter into force only after the necessary national parliamentary procedures. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the arrangement would recognize Greenland’s interests, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it would recognize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.

The White House said President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, into law on September 18.

According to the White House notice, the law authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions concerning Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published a statement on September 18 supporting businesses and individuals supplying goods and services to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), including in the hydrocarbons sector.

The statement reiterated the UK government’s position on sovereignty and self-determination and accused Argentina of threatening companies and individuals doing business with the Islands. It said the UK diplomatic network would support those businesses.

The European Union said it did not recognize the constitutional and legal framework under which the September 18 presidential election was organized in South Ossetia and described the outcome as null and void.

The EU also criticized what it described as Russian efforts to integrate South Ossetia into Russia’s political, military, economic and judicial spheres and reiterated its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Manchester on September 18, the first international-leader visit to No10 North. The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and discussed the legacy of the Troubles and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The UK readout said the leaders also discussed closer UK cooperation with Ireland during its EU presidency, continued support for Ukraine, and preparations for the next UK-Ireland Summit, expected in the first half of 2027, including priorities on security and trade.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council on September 18 on the future of peacekeeping operations and the review requested under the Pact for the Future. He described conflicts as increasingly complex, internationalized and shaped by new technologies.

The Secretary-General argued that peacekeeping should remain a political instrument supporting political solutions, with more focused and adaptable missions, credible strategies and the capabilities needed to operate in current security environments.