Milei Renews Falklands Claim, Threatens Oil Firms After Trump Questions UK Support

Argentine President Javier Milei renewed his country's claim to the Falkland Islands in a televised national address on Thursday.

Milei declared the islands historically and legally Argentinian and stated the people of the Falklands have no right to self-determination. He announced plans to strengthen sanctions against companies involved in offshore oil drilling, specifically targeting the Sea Lion oil project, and to establish a naval base in Tierra del Fuego. Milei cited US President Donald Trump's recent comments as creating winds of change favorable to Argentina's claim.

Trump, in an interview with a British broadcaster aired Thursday, raised doubts about US support for Britain in a future Falklands conflict. Trump linked his stance to a perceived lack of UK support for the US war with Iran, stating, "Your country was not there to help me." The UK government reaffirmed its sovereignty, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stating on X that the islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the Islanders.

Downing Street confirmed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham fully supports the wishes of the islanders to remain a British overseas territory. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory. Argentina and the UK fought a war over the islands in 1982. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting suggested Milei's statement revealed more about domestic politics in Argentina than about the Malvinas. The Sea Lion project, developed by Israel's Navitas Petroleum and British Rockhopper Exploration, aims for first oil in early 2028.