Downing Street has stated that the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands 'rests with the UK,' following reports that the US may reevaluate its position on the British claim to the territory.
The internal Pentagon email, first reported by Reuters, hinted at possible retaliatory measures by the US against allies perceived to have not supported its actions in Iran.
When questioned about the email, a spokesman for No 10 asserted: 'The Falkland Islands have overwhelmingly voted in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory, and we've always supported the islanders' right to self-determination and the notion that sovereignty resides with the UK.'
According to the official's comments, the UK government 'cannot be clearer' about its stance, emphasizing consistent communication to several US administrations that the sovereignty issue remains unchanged.
BBC News has not accessed the referenced Pentagon email. Additionally, the reported US review of the Falkland Islands' status was part of a broader discussion that included considerations of expelling Spain from NATO for its opposition to the Iran campaign.
A NATO official clarified that the founding treaty contains no provisions for suspending or expelling members. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez commented that his government relies on official documents rather than internal communications.
The Falkland Islands, located in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, are a British overseas territory still contested by Argentina, which argues for sovereignty over the territory it terms 'Malvinas.'
This dispute was notably ignited by a military conflict in 1982 when Argentina invaded, leading to British military recapture under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Despite the UK asserting its claim, Argentina continues to maintain its sovereignty assertions over the islands.
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