Trump hints US may not back UK in Falklands dispute

President Donald Trump has suggested the United States may not defend the United Kingdom in a future conflict over the Falkland Islands, linking the potential shift in policy to Britain's refusal to support U.S. military operations in Iran. In an interview with GB News released on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Trump expressed frustration that the UK did not send warships to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict with Iran. "You comported yourselves very well, took it back very shortly," Trump said, recalling Britain's victory in the 1982 Falklands War. "But it is a long way away. So, your country's not doing well. Don't forget you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz and you weren't there to help me." He added that while the U.S. did not ultimately need assistance, he had asked NATO allies and then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer why Britain had not sent ships, receiving a response that "none were available," which Trump called "pretty sad." The comments mark a significant escalation in Trump's public criticism of the UK and NATO allies over their lack of participation in the Iran conflict.