Washington threatens to withdraw Falklands support in row over Iran war

WEB DESK: Britain and Spain have hit back at the White House following reports that the Trump administration is considering punitive measures against its closest allies for failing to provide “full-throated support” for the ongoing war against Iran.

A leaked internal Pentagon email, first reported by Reuters, suggests that Washington is reviewing options to “punish” the two nations.

Among the most explosive proposals is a potential withdrawal of American support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands a move that would overturn decades of US foreign policy and embolden Argentine claims to the archipelago.

The document also details plans to seek the suspension of Spain from NATO, citing Madrid’s refusal to grant the US military overflight rights or access to key bases for missions involving the Iranian conflict.

‘Paper tiger’ allies

The Pentagon has not denied the existence of the options but has doubled down on its rhetoric. Kingsley Wilson, the Department of War press secretary, issued a scathing statement on Friday, suggesting the era of unconditional US protection is over.

“Despite everything that the United States has done for our NATO allies, they were not there for us,” Wilson said. She added that the department would ensure the President has “credible options” to ensure allies are “no longer a paper tiger and instead do their part.”

The comments mark a new low in the “Special Relationship” between London and Washington. Since the war with Iran began on February 28, President Trump has repeatedly criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, recently labelling him a “coward” and “no Churchill” for his reluctance to commit British ground forces to the offensive.

Diplomatic affront

The threat to reassess the status of the Falkland Islands has caused particular outrage in Westminster. Questioning British sovereignty over the islands, located 300 miles off the Argentine coast, is seen by diplomats as a significant affront intended to “intensify trans-Atlantic tensions.”

In Madrid, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the reports, stating that his government “does not work with emails” and maintained that Spanish bases would not be used for offensive actions that lack a clear international mandate.

The report follows a succession of statements from an administration that has appeared increasingly disdainful of international law and traditional alliances. As Washington continues to scold allies who have not joined the fight against Tehran, the future of the 76-year-old NATO alliance appears more precarious than ever.