The British government on Friday reiterated that sovereignty over the Falkland Islands rests with the UK, following a report that the United States could review its position on London’s claim to the territory.
“The Falkland Islands have voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining a UK overseas territory, and we have always stood behind the islanders’ right to self-determination,” a government spokesperson said, according to the BBC.
The spokesperson added that the government “could not be clearer” on its position.
“Sovereignty rests with the UK and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount,” the spokesperson said, noting that the stance has been communicated consistently to successive US administrations.
The remarks followed a report citing an internal Pentagon email outlining possible measures Washington could consider against allies it believes did not support its campaign in Iran.
The Falkland Islands are administered by the UK as an overseas territory, but Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, which it calls the Islas Malvinas.
The dispute escalated in 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands, triggering the Falklands War. After the UK regained control, islanders were granted full British citizenship under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983.
