'You Weren't There To Help Me': Trump Hints US May Not Back UK In Future Falklands Conflict

US President Donald Trump has raised fresh questions over Washington’s stance on the Falkland Islands, suggesting US support for Britain in a future conflict with Argentina may not be guaranteed.

Speaking to GB News on Thursday, the US president was asked whether he would come to the UK’s aid if Argentina attempted to challenge British control of the islands, BBC reported.

Trump recalled Britain’s conduct during the 1982 Falklands War, saying the country had handled the conflict strongly. “I was there when they had the first war… I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well. You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away,” he said.

But he then turned to the UK’s role in the ongoing US war with Iran, saying, “Your

country was not there to help me.”

Trump Points To Iran War

The US president stressed that American forces had not actually needed assistance. However, he claimed he had asked NATO and then-prime minister Sir Keir Starmer why Britain had not sent ships.

“We didn’t need help, but I did ask NATO, and I asked your former leader, ‘Why didn’t you send a couple of ships?’”

According to Trump, Starmer told him that no vessels were available, a response the US president described as “pretty sad”.

He also criticised NATO allies, saying many depended heavily on oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz but had not provided support to the US.

“NATO was not there, even though they get – most of those countries get – a big portion of their oil from there. So we’re doing that by ourselves,” he remarked.

Washington Reviewing Falklands Stance

Trump’s latest comments came days after he said Washington was reviewing its position on the Falkland Islands.

“I always review every position. That’s just one of many,” he told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday.

The review remarks came after reports that the US could use its position on the islands to pressure Britain to increase defence spending. The proposal was reportedly among measures being considered to encourage NATO members to meet their defence commitments.

Asked whether he wanted Britain to raise its spending, Trump said the UK had “some problems” but would resolve them.

The Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, have remained at the centre of a sovereignty dispute between London and Buenos Aires for decades.

Britain and Argentina fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982 after Argentine forces occupied the territory. Britain regained control, and the dispute has continued despite the absence of another armed conflict.

Washington currently recognises British administration of the islands while maintaining a neutral position on the competing sovereignty claims.

(With inputs from agencies)