LONDON — Britain reaffirmed its commitment to the Falkland Islands following a national address by Argentine President Javier Milei, who reiterated his country's claim to the territory and vowed to introduce sanctions against oil companies operating in the area.
Milei's statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the United States would not support Britain in a future conflict over the Falklands.
Milei specifically targeted the Sea Lion oilfield, co-owned by Israeli and British firms, calling it a "clear and present danger" to Argentina's claims. Production at the field is expected to begin in 2028.
"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.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting responded on social media that Milei's remarks reflected "domestic politics in Argentina more than it does about the Falkland Islands." He said: "The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable."
Milei rejected islanders' right to self-determination. "The Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory," he said, adding that islanders on "usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination."
In a 2013 referendum, Falkland Islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory by 99.8 percent, with only three votes against.
The U.S. formally maintained neutrality during previous disputes but provided support for Britain's campaign to retake the islands after Argentina's invasion in 1982. The Falklands War lasted 71 days and resulted in 255 British service member deaths, 655 Argentine deaths, and three Falkland Islander deaths.
Milei announced plans to sign decrees for sanctions against oil production companies in the contested area and to establish a naval base in Tierra del Fuego, in southern Argentina.
Milei claimed that Trump and the United States were "assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands" and said this reflected Argentina's importance as "a reliable partner and a valuable ally."
