Milei Stokes Falklands Tensions as Argentina Seeks Oil Protection

Argentine President Javier Milei has reignited tensions over the disputed Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas. In an emergency address to the nation, he cited a plan by Israel's Navitas Petroleum and Britain's Rockhopper Exploration to begin oil production on the continental shelf near the archipelago.

The Sea Lion project, as it is called, aims to extract about 50,000 barrels of oil per day from the shelf. Milei warned that if Argentina does not act decisively, the British government will have an incentive to deepen its occupation of the islands and exploit Argentine natural resources.

Milei's remarks were triggered by recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Washington might revisit its long-standing position on the islands' status. The Argentine leader sees this as a sign that the United States now views Argentina as a reliable partner that shares Western values, but still considers the Malvinas to be British territory.

The issue is not just about oil production, but also about geopolitics and Washington's use for a public row with London. Trump has not forgotten the jibes directed at him by King Charles III during an April visit to the United States.