Argentina’s President Javier Milei has announced a series of diplomatic, economic and legal measures linked to Buenos Aires’ sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), citing planned offshore oil exploration as a new challenge.
In a televised address, Milei said: “The Malvinas are Argentine, by history and by right,” while reaffirming Argentina’s long-standing claim over the islands, which have been administered by the United Kingdom since 1833.
The Argentine leader said “winds of change” were favouring Argentina’s position after Trump said the United States was reviewing its historic stance on the islands, though Washington has not announced any change in policy.
Milei criticised the Sea Lion offshore oil project, operated by Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration, claiming it could allow the extraction of resources in what Argentina considers disputed territory.
He said Argentina would “deploy all the tools of the State — diplomatic, economic, judicial and legal” against actors involved in unauthorised activities.
Milei also announced plans to strengthen sanctions against companies linked to Falklands projects, expand defence resources in Tierra del Fuego, and establish a National Security Council.
The Falklands sovereignty dispute has remained unresolved for more than 180 years. The United Kingdom took control of the islands in 1833, while Argentina has continued to claim sovereignty.
The dispute led to the 1982 Falklands War, after Argentine forces occupied the islands before being defeated by the UK. In a 2013 referendum, Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British Overseas Territory, with the UK arguing that the result reflected the islanders’ right to self-determination.
Argentina rejects the referendum as a basis for determining sovereignty and continues to call for negotiations under the framework of the United Nations, which recognises the existence of the dispute.
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