BUENOS AIRES — Argentine President Javier Milei has renewed his country’s claim to the Falkland Islands, saying Argentina will impose sanctions on oil companies involved in production near the British-controlled territory.
In a national address on Friday, Milei said the “winds of change” were blowing in Argentina’s favour. He described planned oil exploration by British and Israeli companies in the Sea Lion oilfield near the Falkland Islands as a “clear and present risk” to Argentina.
Milei said Argentina would never accept oil production in the area and warned that companies involved could face sanctions.
The United Kingdom rejected Argentina’s claim, reaffirming that the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory and that there would be no compromise over its sovereignty.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said most residents of the islands wished to remain under British sovereignty. The UK prime minister’s office likewise said the islands would remain British territory for as long as their residents wanted.
The sovereignty dispute dates back decades and led to the 1982 Falklands War, when Britain and Argentina fought over control of the South Atlantic islands. Britain won the conflict, but the sovereignty dispute remains a major source of tension between the two countries.
According to the BBC, the Sea Lion oilfield is located about 130 miles from the Falkland Islands and is estimated to contain around 1.7 billion barrels of oil.
Two companies from Britain and Israel are expected to begin oil production at the field within the next two years. Milei, however, has made clear that his government will oppose any such development.
The dispute has gained renewed international attention after US President Donald Trump recently indicated that Washington would reconsider its position on the Falklands issue.
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