The United States may reconsider its diplomatic backing for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands as a punitive measure for the UK's refusal to support military action against Iran, according to a leaked Pentagon internal memo seen by Reuters.
The confidential email outlines options to pressure Nato allies perceived as uncooperative, including reviewing US recognition of the UK's claim to the Falklands, which Argentina also claims. The memo also considers suspending Spain from the alliance for its refusal to allow bases or airspace for attacks on Tehran.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Nato allies, branding the alliance a 'paper tiger' and threatening to withdraw. He attacked Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as 'no Winston Churchill' after Britain initially denied a request to use its bases for attacks on Iran.
The Falklands have been administered by Britain since 1833 but are claimed by Argentina, whose pro-Trump president Javier Milei is a close ally. The 1982 war over the islands left 255 British and 650 Argentine troops dead.
Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said the US will ensure Trump 'has credible options' to guarantee allies do their part. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted the Iran conflict has revealed 'a lot' about alliance weaknesses, as longer-range Iranian missiles can reach Europe but not the US.
The leaked memo does not propose a US exit from Nato or the closure of European bases, but it underscores growing tensions. The official warned that access, basing and overflight rights are the 'absolute baseline' for alliance members.
