Argentinian president risks reigniting tensions with UK after declaring 'Falklands are Argentinean'

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has reiterated the country’s claim on the Falkland Islands and said he will introduce sanctions for any oil companies working in the area in a move that could reignite tensions in the UK.

Milei delivered a televised address in the early hours of Friday (4 September) after warning that his country would defend its interests ‘with tooth and nail’.

He began his broadcast by stating his view on the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina.

"The Falklands are Argentinean,” he said.

“Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory.

“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 said the Sea Lion oilfield, owned by an Israeli and a British firm where production is expected to begin in 2028, was a ‘clear and present danger’.

The Falkland Islands is a British overseas territory (Raphael WOLLMANN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

“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,” he said.

He concluded his address by saying: "The Falklands are our future - we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward. It is the best way of paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for this cause. It is our obligation as a nation to honour their memory."

The Falklands have been under British control since 1833, but leaders in Argentina have long laid claims to them.

In 1982, Argentina launched military action in an attempt to take control of the Falklands, which resulted in a 74 day conflict.

The short but brutal conflict saw 255 British servicemen and 655 Argentine soldiers killed before Argentina surrendered.

In 2013, those living in the Falkland Islands overwhelmingly voted to remain a British overseas territory.

This week, Downing Street said that the UK’s position on the Falklands was ‘long-standing and unwavering’.

Argentina's national side sparked outrage at this year’s World Cup with a sign about the Falklands (Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

“Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount,” a spokesperson said.

“The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”

Trump puts UK support in doubt

Milei's statement comes just hours after President Donald Trump was asked about the US’s stance on the Falkland Islands and appeared to suggest that he wouldn’t back the UK.

In an interview with GB News, Trump said: Well look, I was there when they had the first war.

"That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well. You took it back pretty strongly, but it's a long way away."

However, he then went on to turn his attention to the US’ ongoing conflict with Iran and said the UK ‘weren’t there to help’ him.

"So, your country's not doing well,” he added.

“Don't forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren't there to help me.

"Your country was not there to help me. We didn't need help, but I did ask Nato, and I asked your former leader, 'why didn't you send a couple of ships?'”

He said former PM Keir Starmer told him ‘we don’t have’ any ships and branded the whole interaction as ‘pretty sad’.