Argentina Again States Its Claims to the Malvinas Islands

On September 3, 2026, Argentine President Javier Milei addressed the nation on the issue of the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands.

“Las Malvinas son argentinas”

Traditionally, the thesis was voiced about consolidating Argentine sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the need for their return. In this context, Milei emphasized that the United States is allegedly already revising its historical position on the islands. According to him, this is be-cause Argentina has come to occupy a more important strategic position and is ready to become a long-term partner and ally of Washington. In addition, the head of state directly pointed out that the United Kingdom will face decline due to economic, demographic and migration crises. Thus, it is implied that in the foreseeable future Lon-don will not be able to ensure control and security of these territories.

Separately, Milei focused on the Sea Lion oil project north of the Malvinas Islands, which is being implemented by the Israeli company Navitas Petroleum (which owns a 65% stake in the project) and the British Rockhopper Exploration (35% stake), pointing out that London is sabotaging the UN General Assembly resolution of 1976 on refraining from unilateral actions in the region, including the exploitation of natural resources. In this regard, the president announced the introduction of sanctions against all companies and individuals participating in oil projects in the territories of “British occupation” without official permission from the Argentine authorities.

Milei paid special attention to the military and defense component. First, it was announced that the resources of the Ministry of Defense would be expanded in order to complete the construction of the Integrated Naval Base in the city of Ushuaia in the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands, which should become part of the Antarctic Logistics Center (the total cost of the project is estimated at $400 to $500 million, and its completion is scheduled for mid-to-late 2029).

Second, the president presented the draft law “On the Protection of National Sovereignty,” which effectively reforms the National Defense Law of 1988.

The first section of the document is devoted to the Malvinas Islands and their natural resources. The new legal framework tightens liability for unauthorized extraction of all types of resources on the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,........

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