Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel
Tensions over the Falkland Islands have intensified after Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel said residents of the disputed territory should “go back to England”.Her remarks came in the wake of a leaked Pentagon memo suggesting the United States could reconsider its stance on Britain’s claim to the islands.
Pentagon memo sparks diplomatic row
The internal memo, reported by multiple outlets, indicated that a potential shift in US policy on territories such as the Falklands could be considered as leverage against NATO allies unwilling to support recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.The development has raised concerns in London about Washington’s long-standing diplomatic position.While the US has historically backed the UK’s administration of the islands, it has often avoided taking a formal position on sovereignty, instead encouraging dialogue between Britain and Argentina.
Argentina reiterates claim, targets islanders
Responding to the reports, Villarruel took to social media to reaffirm Argentina’s claim over what it calls the “Malvinas”. She said the sovereignty dispute should be resolved between states and not involve the islanders.“The Kelpers are English people living in Argentine territory; they are not part of the discussion,” she said, adding in a separate post: “If they feel English, they should go back to the thousands of miles away where their country is.”Argentina has long argued that the islands rightfully belong to it on historical and geographical grounds, a claim consistently rejected by the UK.
What UK said on sovereignty stance
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK’s position remains “longstanding and unchanged”, stressing that sovereignty over the Falklands is not in question.Authorities in the islands also expressed confidence in Britain’s commitment to uphold their right to self-determination, which remains central to London’s stance.
A long-running dispute and 1982 war
The Falkland Islands dispute has deep historical roots and escalated into a brief but intense conflict during the Falklands War.In 1982, Argentina launched an invasion of the islands in a failed attempt to seize control.The war lasted about 10 weeks and resulted in the deaths of around 650 Argentine personnel and 255 British troops before Argentina surrendered.Since then, the UK has maintained continuous administration of the territory, while Argentina continues to press its claim.
Strained ties amid broader tensions
The controversy comes against the backdrop of strained relations between the US and its NATO allies under President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised the alliance over burden-sharing and military support.Reports of a possible US policy rethink have drawn sharp reactions, including from Falklands War veterans, who warned that such signals could risk reigniting tensions in the region.
