Trump vs Britain over Falklands: What’s behind the new threat?

The Trump administration has once again issued a fresh warning to the UK over the country’s sovereignty to the Falklands.

The recent threat comes on the grounds of giving warning to the UK PM Andy Burnham, giving no commitments to an increase in defence spending.

As per reports, the Pentagon officials reviewing NATO commitments want the UK to increase its defense spending to 5 percent of GDP as they see current plans of a target of 3.5 percent by 2035 as insufficient as devised by former UK PM Keir Starmer.

Reports suggest that the Pentagon is discussing using the UK's sovereignty over the Falkland Islands as leverage to pressure Britain into boosting its defense investments.

"I would expect the UK to receive special attention because it has so much potential," Washington senior officials said.

"We will therefore continue efforts to incentivise and enable the UK to step up in a major way."

When asked about the US’ position on the Falkland Islands, the senior official replied, "I can say that conversations are candid and nothing is being ruled out as far as options for encouraging the sort of burden-sharing that we seek."

Officially, the US maintains a neutral stance regarding who holds sovereignty over the Falklands, also claimed by Argentina.

The United States wants European nations and Canada to take primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defence.

The official added, "We’ve seen the Defence Investment Plan, and it is a step in the right direction.”

"But a step in the right direction isn’t enough. Given the scale of challenges facing us and our allies, we need allies like the United Kingdom to step up in major, fundamental ways.”

"Fortunately, some already are. We strongly encourage the UK to do likewise.

In April, a leaked memo from the Pentagon revealed US’ intentions of reassessing its position on the islands to punish Britain’s lack of support in the Iranian conflict.

As per the Falkland Islands Government, the most of its residents are in favour of remaining a British Overseas Territory.