Argentine President Javier Milei has stepped up Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands, announcing plans for tougher penalties against companies involved in oil development around the British-controlled territory. Argentina, which calls the islands Las Malvinas, continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic and international channels.

The dispute dates back centuries but intensified after Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, triggering a 74-day war with Britain that ended with an Argentine surrender. Britain has maintained control ever since and argues that the roughly 3,660 islanders have the right to determine their own future. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of voters backed remaining under British rule, a result Argentina rejects.

The issue remains geopolitically sensitive, particularly as oil exploration around the islands expands. China supports Argentina’s call for negotiations, while the United States has historically avoided taking a definitive position on sovereignty. President Donald Trump said in 2026 that Washington was reviewing its stance, while Milei has ruled out military action and said Argentina’s claim should be pursued through diplomacy.

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