Trump says he could settle a potential conflict over the Falklands
US President Donald Trump, speaking in Dublin, Ireland, said he would likely be involved in settling a possible new conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands. He called such a scenario a potential disaster and said he would probably be able to resolve the situation.
As MercoPress reports, Trump spoke to journalists alongside Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a two-day visit to the country. When asked whether he had discussed the issue in a phone call with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham last week, the US president did not answer directly. He called the subject very interesting and noted that the situation was returning to the agenda.
Statements on a possible British response
The US president also questioned the United Kingdom's readiness to deploy forces to the South Atlantic in the event of an invasion similar to the events of 1982. According to him, the distance to the archipelago is very great, and a sea voyage would take weeks. Trump added that the United Kingdom has problems with immigration, energy, and other issues.
Earlier, in an interview with GB News, he did not give a direct answer when asked whether the United States would come to the United Kingdom's aid. Trump mentioned the 1982 war, said the British had acted well then, and criticized the United Kingdom's absence from the military campaign against Iran. In a conversation with the BBC, he said he was reviewing all positions, including this one, but did not speak about refusing to support London.
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Positions of London and Buenos Aires
The United States has never formally defined a position on sovereignty over the archipelago, although it recognizes the de facto British administration of the islands and supported the British military campaign in 1982. Andy Burnham said in the House of Commons this week that his government would tirelessly defend the right of the islands' residents to choose British affiliation. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of those voting supported retaining the status of a British Overseas Territory.
Argentine President Javier Milei reiterated his country's claims to the islands in a televised address. The Argentine government also filed a criminal complaint against five companies linked to the Sea Lion oil project and increased to 60 the number of individuals and legal entities subject to ongoing administrative proceedings. These proceedings remain open, and no sanctions have been imposed within them. The US State Department approved a possible sale to Argentina of four Black Hawk helicopters worth $140 million.
The 1982 war between Argentina and the United Kingdom lasted 74 days. It killed 649 Argentine servicemen, 255 Britons, and three island residents.
