Argentina gives UK two weeks to halt Falklands oil project or face legal action

Argentine President Javier Milei on Monday gave the United Kingdom two weeks to halt an oil project near the Falkland Islands or face international legal action.

The potentially lucrative project has intensified the long-running sovereignty dispute as the islands prepare for oil production that could transform their small economy.

What has Argentina threatened to do?

Milei said Argentina would take the dispute to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg if the UK did not halt the Sea Lion project within two weeks.

"I instructed the Foreign Ministry and our legal teams to initiate arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom for the illegal sacking of our resources through the Sea Lion Project in the North Falklands Basin," Milei wrote on X.

"If within two weeks the United Kingdom does not stop the illegitimate exploitation, we will go to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea," he added.

Argentina argues that Britain's authorization of oil exploration violates a UN resolution calling on both sides to refrain from unilateral actions while their sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.

Milei has also threatened to bar companies involved in unauthorized oil exploration around the Falklands from operating in Argentina's oil and mining sectors.

His government has sent Argentina's Congress a bill proposing prison terms of up to 20 years for extracting resources around the islands without Argentine authorization.

Argentine authorities say they are investigating at least 60 companies and executives for possible violations.

What is the Sea Lion oil project?

Sea Lion is a major offshore oil field around 220 kilometers (137 miles) north of the Falkland Islands.

The project is being developed by Israel's Navitas Petroleum and Britain's Rockhopper Exploration under licenses issued by the Falkland Islands authorities.

Oil production is expected to begin in 2028.

The companies have rejected Argentina's objections, saying they hold valid licenses for the project.

The UK has also defended the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources.

Why are the Falkland Islands disputed?

The Falkland Islands have been under British control since 1833, but Argentina claims sovereignty over the archipelago, which it calls the Malvinas.

Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, triggering a 10-week war with the UK.

The conflict killed 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British service members and three islanders before British forces retook the territory.

The UK says the islanders have the right to determine their own future.

In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of voters backed remaining a British Overseas Territory, with turnout of about 92%.

Argentina rejects the referendum and maintains its sovereignty claim.