Falklands War hero Simon Weston has condemned Donald Trump's reported plans to support Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands, describing the move as a 'hissy fit' in response to Britain's refusal to join the Iran war. Leaked Pentagon emails, published by US media, suggest Washington may reconsider its stance on the islands' sovereignty as punishment for the UK not participating in military action against Iran.
Veterans and Ministers React
Weston, who suffered life-changing burns covering 46% of his body during the 1982 conflict, expressed his sadness for the islanders and fellow veterans. Speaking to LBC, he said: 'He's thrown them under a bus, because he's having a hissy fit around no-one wanting to go to his fight.' He added: 'It's destabilising for decent, hardworking people and the community that are there. They have to go to bed tonight with the uncertainty now that something may change - this is just cruel.'
Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper insisted the sovereignty of the islands is 'not in question'. In a post on X, she wrote: 'The Falklands Islands are British - sovereignty rests with the UK, self-determination rests with the islanders.' She added that the government's commitment to the Falklands is 'unwavering'.
Referendum and Historical Context
A representative for the Falkland Islands Government highlighted the 2013 sovereignty referendum, in which 99.8% of voters, on a turnout of 92%, chose to remain a British Overseas Territory. The conflict in 1982 claimed the lives of 255 British servicemen and left 777 wounded.
The Pentagon has not officially commented on the leaked emails, but a spokesperson told the BBC: 'We will ensure that the president has credible options to ensure that our allies are no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part.' US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated calls for NATO allies to join the Iran war, stating: 'We are not counting on Europe, but they need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do.'
Political Fallout
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, known for his close ties to the Trump administration, tweeted: 'The Falklands are and will always be British.' The row comes ahead of King Charles' state visit to the US next week, where he is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House.
