One Decision In Brief: Why Greenland and Iran Matter to Trump
Jan 13, 2026
Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, shares his insights on the shifting U.S. foreign policy with guest host Rosanna Lockwood. They delve into Greenland's strategic importance, discussing its geographical significance amid rising tensions with Russia and China. Dearlove also contextualizes President Trump's controversial remarks about the island. As the conversation shifts to Iran, he analyzes the internal protests and regime vulnerabilities, predicting that the future hinges on the loyalty of security forces amidst economic unrest.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Greenland's Strategic Importance
- Greenland's strategic position links North America, Russia, and China and makes it vital for Western security.
- Denmark has neglected Greenland and a US lease or investment could transform its economy and strategic value.
Negotiate Leases, Not Sovereignty
- Negotiate around strategic security and leases rather than sovereignty to reach a practical US-Denmark agreement.
- Offer financial investment and welfare commitments to Greenlanders to make a lease politically viable.
A $100,000 Per Person Proposal
- Sir Richard calculated a hypothetical payout of $100,000 per Greenlander as a buy-in to US involvement.
- He estimated a $5.2 billion cost and argued that sum would transform Greenland's economy.
