Trump’s revenge risks reigniting war between NATO ally and Argentina

President Trump appears to have abandoned not only respect for the post-Second World War global order but also support for his own allies. A leaked Pentagon email reveals that the Americans are exploring ways to punish their NATO partners for failing to join—or tardily supporting—US operations against Iran. One of Trump’s proposed “punishments” could revive a conflict that once claimed hundreds of lives.

Britain’s swift victory over Argentina

On 2 April 1982, Argentine forces landed on the Falkland Islands, a British possession since 1833. The islands’ small population, comparable to that of Thame, and the garrison of British troops surrendered swiftly. Yet Margaret Thatcher’s government resolved on a robust counter-offensive, forcing Argentine capitulation after just 74 days. The war cost 649 Argentine and 255 British lives.

The humiliating defeat toppled Argentina’s military junta in Buenos Aires within months, as it sought to distract from economic woes. A 2013 referendum confirmed the islanders’ preference to remain British, with a staggering 99.8% majority.

Argentina persists in claiming the Falklands, a pledge echoed in Javier Milei’s presidential campaign. Most Argentines back the cause, and Trump now seems poised to champion it.

Trump’s wrath towards Britain

Trump previously extended indispensable aid to Milei. During Argentina’s midterm elections, his administration bought 20 billion US dollars’ worth of pesos to steady the currency, while pledging another 20 billion in investments via private megafunds. Milei’s party secured a blocking minority in parliament, enabling his austerity drive.

The Pentagon has now circled back to Milei amid deliberations on punishing NATO “traitors” as Trump sees them. Britain’s reluctance to assist in strikes on Iran drew sharp US rebuke; Trump branded the alliance a “paper tiger” and even mused on quitting.

Can Britain defend the Falklands?

The leaked email outlines Pentagon proposals to chastise hesitant allies, including withdrawing US backing for Britain’s “imperialist holdings” such as the Falklands. According to LBC, this arrives at a perilous moment: Britain is spending £220 million (some 92.6 billion Hungarian forints at current rates) on 24 refurbished F-16s from Denmark. It also eyes two US KC-135R Stratotankers for mid-air refuelling.

Meanwhile, Britain’s Falklands defences look threadbare. LBC notes that an Airbus Voyager—vital for such operations—has been redeployed to the Middle East amid the Iran crisis, echoing shortages during the 1982 invasion.

Escalating rhetoric before royal visit

The Independent reports that Victoria Villarruel, Milei’s deputy, posted on X yesterday urging Falklands’ British residents to “return home”, insisting the islands are Argentine by law, history, and geography.

Britain’s Prime Minister insists the islands’ status is not in doubt and vows to uphold British sovereignty. King Charles III is on a state visit to America, an ideal juncture to mend frayed transatlantic ties. Though British monarchs shun politics, such trips allow discreet stock-taking. Trump’s well-known admiration for the royals—he recalls being captivated by the Queen’s 1952 coronation—may smooth matters. Today, Charles will address Congress in joint session, attended by Supreme Court justices—the second such honour for a reigning monarch.

The territory—known to Argentines as the Malvinas—lies 13,000 km from London but a mere 400 km from Argentina’s coast.

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