'You weren't there to help me': Trump hints he wouldn't back Britain if Argentina invaded the Falklands - as he jibes that the country 'isn't doing well'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:19 EDT, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 05:52 EDT, 3 September 2026 Donald Trump has hinted he would not back Britain if Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands again.The US president jibed that the UK 'isn't doing well' and had failed to 'help' with the military campaign against Iran.The comments came as Argentina's firebrand president Javier Milei - a close ally of Mr Trump - prepares to make a TV address on the 'sacred' issue of the disputed archipelago.The US has traditionally taken a neutral position regarding the Falklands, which Argentina calls the Malvinas.But Mr Trump recently suggested that the stance is being reviewed, in what many regard as a pressure tactic to get more UK military cooperation. Donald Trump jibed that the UK 'isn't doing well' and had failed to 'help' with the military campaign against Iran Javier Milei (pictured) said he will speak on the 'sacred' issue of the 'Malvinas cause' in a televised address Argentina refers to the South Atlantic archipelago as Las Malvinas and unsuccessfully attempted to wrest it from British control in 1982 (File image) Asked in an interview with GB News today whether he would 'come to the aid' of the UK in the event of another invasion, Mr Trump said he clearly remembered the 1982 conflict. 'I was there when they had the first war, that was a long time ago... you comported yourself very well, took it back very shortly. But it is a long way away,' he said.'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. 'Your country was not there to help me.'During Keir Starmer's premiership, the UK initially refused to take part in the US-Israeli offensive against Iran. Sir Keir later authorised forces to support 'defensive' strikes against targets such as missile launchers.However, the UK did not agree to Mr Trump's call to send the Navy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass through the waterway, but Iran blockaded it in response to the attacks. A furious Mr Trump branded Sir Keir 'no Churchill' and insisted he had refused a British offer to send an aircraft carrier to the region because it came too late. Ministers denied such an offer had been made. The UK Government has been adamant that sovereignty of the Falklands is not in doubt. In a referendum of islanders in 2013, 99.8 per cent voted to stay British, with a turnout of 92 per cent. Argentine forces attempted to seize control of the Falklands in 1982, which resulted in Britain's then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher sending a naval task force to reclaim them. Tensions over the Falklands could form an awkward backdrop for Andy Burnham's first encounter with Mr TrumpThe war left 649 Argentines, 255 Britons and three islanders dead.Tensions over the Falklands could form an awkward backdrop for Andy Burnham's first encounter with Mr Trump.The PM has said he is likely to head for New York later this month to attend the UN General Assembly. He suggested he would lobby the president for more support for Ukraine, although it is unclear whether Mr Trump will be in New York or Mr Burnham would make another stop in Washington.