Speaking during a national address on Thursday, September 3, Milei referred to the islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, as Argentine territory and insisted that his government had a duty to continue pursuing the country’s longstanding sovereignty claim.
“The Falklands are Argentinean. Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory,” Milei said.
The Falkland Islands are administered by the United Kingdom as a British Overseas Territory, while Argentina maintains its competing claim to sovereignty. Islanders have consistently expressed their preference to remain under British sovereignty.
Milei rejected arguments based on the islanders’ right to self-determination, describing such claims as invalid and accusing Britain of occupying Argentine territory.
The Argentine president also raised concerns over the Sea Lion oilfield, an offshore project involving British and Israeli interests, with production reportedly expected to begin in 2028.
He described the development as a “clear and present danger” to Argentina’s strategic interests, warning that it could give companies access to oil resources beneath waters claimed by Buenos Aires.
“If we do not act swiftly in a few months, they will have the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea. Something that has never happened before,” Milei said.
Milei announced that he was signing a decree to speed up sanctions against commercial activities in territories and waters claimed by Argentina.
He also warned companies operating around the Falkland Islands without authorisation from Buenos Aires that they could face consequences when attempting to conduct business in Argentina.
“Those who operate on our islands behind the back of the Argentine government will have to choose between an illegal bet in a disputed territory and a profitable, secure operation in a sovereign country with clear rules and predictability. You cannot do both,” he said.
Milei further said his administration would seek congressional approval for additional powers to enable the government to impose economic and diplomatic measures against state and non-state actors it considers threats to Argentina’s national security.
His latest remarks came after US President Donald Trump recently commented on Washington’s position regarding the sovereignty dispute.
Asked about US support for Britain’s position on the Falkland Islands, Trump said: “I always review every position - that's just one of many.”
Milei subsequently appealed to countries he considers allies, including the United States, to support Argentina’s position.
“We ask those who are friends of Argentina not to look the other way when our sovereignty is violated and our resources are taken,” he said.
The sovereignty dispute between Argentina and Britain dates back generations and culminated in the 1982 Falklands War, after Argentine forces invaded the islands. The 74-day conflict ended with Argentina’s surrender and the restoration of British administration.
The British government has continued to maintain that its commitment to the islands remains unchanged, describing it as “long-standing and unwavering”.
The latest escalation comes amid growing attention on potential oil and other economic activities around the Falkland Islands, with Buenos Aires seeking to strengthen its position through diplomatic, economic and legal measures.
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