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Denmark has said its forces would immediately resist any attack on its territory, including a scenario involving U.S. attempts to seize Greenland, under a long-standing military directive.

Elsewhere, South Korea said it has asked China to mediate with North Korea, while protests in Iran continued amid internet shutdowns.

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Major Story

🇩🇰 Denmark confirms standing order to resist invasion

Denmark’s Defence Ministry has confirmed that a 1952 military directive remains in force requiring Danish soldiers to engage immediately if Danish territory is attacked, including in a scenario where US forces attempt to seize Greenland, without waiting for orders. The Defence Command told Danish media that the order applies even if commanders are unaware that war has been declared, with Greenland’s Arctic Command responsible for determining whether a situation constitutes an attack. 

The directive has drawn attention following repeated statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting the US could take control of Greenland by force, which he has described as strategically important. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this week that a military takeover of Greenland would effectively end NATO, while both Denmark’s and Greenland’s governments have rejected proposals to purchase or seize the territory. Danish, US, and Greenlandic officials have confirmed plans to hold talks next week on US interest in Greenland, though details of the meeting have not been disclosed.

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