Donald Trump has indicated that the United States might not step in to support the UK in a future conflict with Argentina over the Falkland Islands.
In an interview with GB News, the US president said Britain had not helped him during America’s war with Iran. He suggested that context would shape whether Washington came to London’s aid in the event of another dispute with Buenos Aires.
Trump Remarks on Potential Falklands Row
Trump’s comments build on earlier remarks in which he said the US could review its neutral position on the islands’ sovereignty if the UK did not raise defence spending.
Iran War Context and Requests for Ships
Trump told GB News that when the first war took place “a long time ago”, he had watched developments closely and said Britain “comported yourselves very well”.
He then turned to the current conflict with Iran, saying the UK had not been there to support him, despite later adding that US military efforts did not require help.
He said he asked Nato and also raised the issue with then-UK leader Keir Starmer, asking why additional vessels were not sent. Trump said Starmer told him that no ships were available, which he described as “pretty sad”.
Trump also argued that Nato had not been involved even though, he said, many Nato countries rely on a large share of their oil imports moving through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the US was handling the situation itself.
Sovereignty Dispute, UK Response and Referendum
The Falklands remain at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina, more than 40 years after fighting between the two countries in 1982.
A British task force forced Argentine forces out after they landed on the islands to back a territorial claim. The war lasted 74 days and resulted in the deaths of 255 British military personnel, three islanders and 649 Argentine military personnel.
Argentina and the UK both continue to dispute sovereignty, with previous US administrations having formally recognised Britain’s de facto administration of the islands while not taking a formal position on sovereignty.
The latest US remarks come as Argentinian President Javier Milei is scheduled to make a televised address on Thursday night about what he calls his country’s “historic” claim.
In separate comments, the UK government said Falkland islanders “are British with a right to determine their own future”. A spokesperson added that islanders have repeatedly said they want to remain a British overseas territory and that the UK’s commitment is “unwavering”.
In a 2013 referendum, residents voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and three against.
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4 September 2026
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