Trump hints US may not back Britain in potential Falklands conflict with Argentina
US President Donald Trump told GB News that Britain failed to help him during the Iran conflict, and he avoided confirming he would support London in a potential dispute with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
US President Donald Trump has suggested he might not rush to help the United Kingdom if a new conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands were to arise, citing Britain's lack of support during the US confrontation with Iran, in an interview with GB News.
Asked directly whether he would back Britain in a possible territorial dispute with Argentina, Trump avoided giving a clear answer. He recalled the 1982 Falklands War, saying he had watched events closely at the time and that Britain had acted with dignity and defended its position firmly, but added that this was "a long time ago" and the islands are "very far away."
Trump then turned to the current US-Iran conflict, repeating that Britain had not come to his aid. He noted that a significant share of the UK's oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, yet London did not send support. He said he had asked both NATO and Britain's former leader why no ships had been sent, even though, in his words, the US military did not actually need the help.
Argentina's reaction
Argentine President Javier Milei, whose country has long disputed British control of the Falklands, welcomed Trump's remarks on Thursday about a possible review of the US position on the islands' sovereignty. Milei said that "winds of change" favorable to Argentina's claim over the Falklands are blowing around the world.
Officially, the US remains neutral on which country holds rightful sovereignty over the islands, which Britain first claimed in the late 17th century and has controlled almost continuously since 1833. In practice, Washington recognizes British administration of the territory, which Argentina invaded in 1982, triggering a war with Britain.
In recent days Trump has indicated he is reconsidering the US position on the Falklands, whose status Argentina has long contested. Media reports earlier suggested Washington could shift its stance if Britain fails to meet its defense spending commitments.
