ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington has reached a deal with Denmark to strengthen US military presence in Greenland and prevent US “adversaries” from establishing bases or a military presence in the Arctic territory.

Trump said on Truth Social that the deal gives the US “permanent control over security, and all other needs” in Greenland, adding that Washington had worked with Denmark and Greenland “to guarantee” that the US “will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary” there “to secure and defend” Greenland and the US.

The agreement follows months of negotiations between US, Greenlandic and Danish officials seeking to address some of Trump’s security concerns over the strategically located territory, which has a population of roughly 56,000.

Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly said Washington needs control of Greenland for strategic reasons, alarming NATO ally Denmark and drawing pushback from within the alliance.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the three governments are expected to sign the agreement next week, after which it will have to go through parliament before it can take effect.

She said the agreement “strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is therefore also good for NATO and Europe” and that it “recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.”

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement benefits all three governments and “recognizes Greenland’s interests.”

However, the terms of the agreement remain unclear.

Trump has repeatedly warned that Russia and China could seek to establish a foothold in Greenland.

He added that no US “adversary can ever” build a base, have a military presence, or make “sensitive investment in it” without Washington’s approval.

“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many,” he said.