Downing Street has reaffirmed Britain's commitment to the Falkland Islands after Argentine President Javier Milei announced sanctions and restated his country's sovereignty claim over the South Atlantic archipelago.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the islands would remain British "as long as the islanders wish" and that British armed forces were "on standby 24/7 to protect the UK and our interests." The spokesperson noted it was "not the first time" Argentina had made economic threats against the islands.
In a national address on Thursday, Milei declared the Falkland Islands were "historically and legally" Argentinian and announced plans to impose sanctions targeting oil exploration in the territory.
"There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory," Milei said. "The islanders on their usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination and any argument on any such self-determination is invalid."
Milei described the Sea Lion oilfield as a "clear and present danger," warning that without swift action, companies would gain "the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea — something that has never happened before."
"The Falklands are our future, we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward," he said.
The oilfield, located around 130 miles from the islands, contains an estimated 1.7 billion barrels of oil, described by British firm Rockhopper Exploration as "highly marketable crude." Rockhopper and Israel's Navitas Petroleum are due to begin extraction within two years, with first oil expected in 2028.
In a joint statement on Friday, the two companies said they held valid licences granted by the Falkland Islands government "and with the full support of the UK government," adding that their timetable would not be affected by Milei's announcement.
It remains unclear how or to what extent the sanctions will be imposed or tightened. Argentine law already allows restrictions on oil companies participating in projects deemed unauthorised on the islands.
Milei also announced plans to establish a naval base in Tierra del Fuego, in the south of Argentina. He claimed the United States was "assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands" and described the UK as a nation "in decline."
"That is not empty words as they understand that Argentina is a reliable partner and a valuable ally for decades to come," he said.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump hinted the US would not assist Britain in any future Falklands conflict, saying Britain "had not been there to help me" during his confrontation with Iran. Trump had previously indicated the US position on the Falklands was under review. The US is formally neutral on the sovereignty dispute, though Washington supported Britain's campaign to retake the islands following the Argentine invasion in 1982.
Argentine forces landed on the Falklands in 1982, sparking a 74-day war. The conflict resulted in the deaths of 255 British military personnel, three islanders, and 649 Argentine soldiers.
In a 2013 referendum, residents of the islands voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% in favour and just three votes against.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband wrote on X on Friday that the UK would "resolutely uphold" the islanders' right to self-determination, saying the islands would remain British as that was the "overwhelming position of the islanders."
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain's commitment was "absolute and unshakeable." He added: "Milei's statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands."
Downing Street stated that the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination "extends to the right to exploit their own natural resources."
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also responded, saying: "Britain does not surrender to bullies. If (Milei) wants a stronger Argentina, he should build its economy, not threaten others."
