Trump says US position on Falklands is being reviewed

**Trump says he is reviewing US position on Falkland Islands**

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is reviewing the United States' position on the British-ruled Falkland Islands, Reuters and The Guardian reported.

Asked in the Oval Office about the islands' sovereignty, Trump said: "I always review every position. This is just one of many issues."

Trump did not specify whether the review would change the US approach to sovereignty. Washington has taken a neutral position on the issue since 1982. Argentina, led by Trump's ally, Argentine President Javier Teja, also claims sovereignty over the islands.

Trump's comments signaled the US administration's willingness to use the dispute as a means of pressuring the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase defence spending.

The comments followed an interview with the Telegraph last week by an unnamed US official who said Washington could change its position on the islands if Britain failed to meet its defence spending commitments.

Earlier, it was reported that British Chancellor John Healy was preparing to abandon a previous commitment to increase defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030 when he presents his first budget on 28 October.

"The US shift in position would be a moral and psychological blow to Britain's sovereignty over the Falklands," the report said.

After Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, Margaret Thatcher's government decided to send in a naval force. The eventual retake of the islands was bolstered by strong diplomatic support from former US President Ronald Reagan. Washington sided with Britain, despite being allied with Argentina's ruling military junta.

An estimated 649 Argentines and 255 British soldiers were killed in the fighting before the Argentine forces surrendered in June 1982. The incident played a central role in strengthening the bond between Thatcher and Reagan, who were political allies and ideological allies.

Trump has recently become close to Argentina's populist President Javier Miley. Miley attended Trump's second inauguration in January 2025.

Miley is an active supporter of Argentina's claim to the islands. However, 1,513 of the 1,517 Falkland residents who voted in a 2013 referendum said they wanted the territory to remain a British territory.

The possibility of changing the US position was included in the options considered by the Pentagon in early 2026. The measure is intended to put pressure on NATO allies who are considered to have not supported US military operations in the war with Iran.

Earlier, it was reported that Argentina would deport foreigners who criticize the country. After the accusations against the Argentine national team after the 2026 World Cup, Javier Miley took up the defense of the country. According to a new decree signed by the president, foreigners who criticize Argentina will be expelled from the country.