The White House is reportedly considering withdrawing US support for British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands as a punitive measure against European nations that have failed to assist in Donald Trump's military campaign in Iran, according to a Pentagon official.
An internal Pentagon email is said to contain the proposal, which would mark a significant shift in US policy towards the Falklands, a territory over which the UK and Argentina went to war in 1982. The move is believed to be aimed at punishing European allies, including the UK, for their lack of support in the conflict with Iran.
President Trump has reportedly described UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a "coward" and "no Churchill", despite previously calling him "very nice". The proposed withdrawal of support for Falklands sovereignty would represent a major escalation in tensions between the US and its traditional ally.
The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, have been a source of contention between the UK and Argentina for decades. The 1982 war resulted in a British victory, but Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands.
