Argentina's President Javier Milei has vowed to impose sanctions on oil companies drilling off the Falkland Islands, restating his country's long-standing claim to the British overseas territory. In a televised address, he described the Sea Lion oilfield, jointly owned by Israeli and British firms and due to begin production in 2028, as a "clear and present danger" to Argentina, insisting the islands are Argentine "historically and legally" and denying islanders any right to self-determination.

Milei also announced plans for a new naval base in Tierra del Fuego and claimed the United States was reassessing its historically neutral stance on the dispute, calling Argentina a "reliable partner" of Washington. His remarks followed comments from Donald Trump suggesting he might not support Britain if Argentina invaded again, and criticising the UK over its role in the campaign against Iran. Downing Street reaffirmed that the UK's position on sovereignty remains "long-standing and unwavering", citing the islanders' repeatedly expressed wish to stay a British overseas territory.