WASHINGTON D.C. — An internal Pentagon email proposes that the United States reassess its diplomatic support for longstanding European "imperial possessions" such as the Falkland Islands, according to the email. The White House is also considering punitive measures against European countries that did not assist President Donald Trump in his war in Iran, including the suspension of Spain from NATO, according to an official within the Pentagon.

The proposals would mark a shift from the current U.S. posture on the Falkland Islands. The State Department currently takes no position on sovereignty of the islands and recognizes de facto United Kingdom administration of the territory. The State Department characterizes the sovereignty dispute as a bilateral issue between the UK and Argentina to be resolved through dialogue.

"We encourage both parties to resolve their differences through dialogue in normal diplomatic channels. We recognise de facto United Kingdom administration of the islands but take no position regarding sovereignty," the State Department said.

Since the 1982 conflict, the U.S. has helped water down or block United Nations resolutions in favor of Argentina's claim to the islands. At the start of that conflict, the White House sought a diplomatic solution but provided intelligence and advanced missiles to aid the UK militarily when settlement efforts failed.

The UK bases its claim to sovereignty on the position that, except for a two-month Argentine occupation in 1982, Britain has continuously, peacefully and effectively inhabited and administered the islands since 1833. The British government says the people of the Falkland Islands have the right to choose their own future and status, and has resisted encouragement to open negotiations with Argentina, citing the islanders' right to self-determination.

Argentina claims it inherited the islands from Spain upon gaining independence and argues that the principle of self-determination does not apply to their inhabitants. It regularly attempts to gain support for United Nations resolutions backing its claim. The United Nations considers the Falkland Islands a non-self-governing territory subject to continuing discussion by the Special Committee on Decolonization.

Trump has developed a rapport with Argentina's president, Javier Milei, who recently reasserted his country's claim to the Falkland Islands. The Pentagon email's proposals, if adopted, would represent a departure from decades of U.S. policy on the islands.