Argentina escalates Falklands dispute with Britain over oil exploration

10:10

By: Azzat Manal

Argentina escalates Falklands dispute with Britain over oil exploration

Argentina is stepping up its long-running dispute with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, announcing legal action against oil companies involved in plans to develop hydrocarbon resources near the disputed territory.

The government of President Javier Milei said Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno would file a criminal complaint against Navitas Petroleum and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, accusing the companies of carrying out exploration activities under licenses issued by the British authorities without authorization from Buenos Aires.

Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said the licenses covering oil and gas exploration and production in the northern Malvinas Basin were unlawful under Argentine legislation. The government also indicated that legal proceedings could extend to shareholders of the companies involved.

The move comes as Argentina prepares to tighten pressure on energy companies operating around the islands. Milei announced earlier this month that his administration would submit legislation to Congress aimed at increasing penalties for oil producers involved in activities around the Malvinas.

The dispute has intensified as British company Rockhopper Exploration and Israel-based Navitas Petroleum move forward with plans to develop offshore oil resources in the area. Buenos Aires maintains that any exploitation of natural resources around the islands requires Argentine authorization.

The Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, consist of two main islands and hundreds of smaller ones covering more than 12,000 square kilometers. The territory is home to roughly 3,200 people and has remained at the center of a sovereignty dispute between Argentina and Britain for decades.

The conflict reached a military stage in April 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands, triggering a war with the United Kingdom. British forces ultimately regained control of the territory after roughly two and a half months of fighting. Argentina lost 649 military personnel, while 255 British service members were killed.

Although the conflict ended more than four decades ago, Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the Falklands and has pursued its position through diplomatic channels, including the United Nations. Britain, meanwhile, maintains that the islands are British territory and has repeatedly rejected Argentina’s sovereignty claim.

The latest dispute over offshore oil development adds an economic and energy dimension to the longstanding territorial confrontation, potentially creating another source of tension between Buenos Aires and London.