Argentine President Javier Milei ramped up tensions over the Falkland Islands overnight.
Javier Milei delivered a speech focused on the Falklands overnight (Image: -)
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting slapped down Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, hours after Argentine leader Javier Milei claimed his country needs “to recover” the archipelago. Issuing a statement on X, Mr Streeting said: “Milei’s statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands. The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable.”
Early on Friday, Argentina’s president escalated tensions with the UK over the Falkland Islands, warning that economic sanctions could be imposed on companies involved in oil exploration near the British Overseas Territory. During his televised remarks, he repeatedly asserted the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands. He claimed the islands “are Argentinian… historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory.”
Argentina players held a banner with the words ‘The Malvinas are Argentine’ after a World Cup game (Image: Getty)
In a national address, Mr Milei claimed that shifting geopolitical dynamics were strengthening Argentina’s claim to the islands, citing indications that the United States may reconsider its longstanding neutral position on the sovereignty dispute.
Mr Milei described the Sea Lion oil project, where a British company and an Israeli firm are preparing to begin exploration activities, as a “clear and present danger.”
More than four decades after the Falklands War, sovereignty over the South Atlantic archipelago, which is a British Overseas Territory, remains contested by Argentina.
Earlier this week, Downing Street put out a statement reiterating its long-held position on the Falklands, which remains “long-standing and unwavering”.
“Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount. The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”
In 2013, a referendum held on the Falkland Islands overwhelmingly saw local residents voting in favour of remaining an Overseas Territory.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump declined to guarantee US support for the UK in the event of a future Falkland Islands conflict, noting that Britain “was not there to help me” during the Iran war.
Reports last week suggested the US could challenge British sovereignty over the islands if the UK does not increase defence spending.
The Pentagon is said to be assessing allies’ commitments to NATO and considering ways to encourage members to meet the 5% defence spending target.