Argentina and Chile Defuse Strait of Magellan Flare-Up After General’s Podcast Claim

Tensions between Chile and Argentina over the Strait of Magellan have been resolved after a misunderstanding by the Argentine Air Force chief, according to the Chilean Defense Ministry. The conflict arose when Brigadier General Gustavo Javier Valverde claimed during an interview that the Strait of Magellan, a key bi-oceanic route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, should be under Argentina's sovereignty.

The Chilean Defense Ministry stated that Argentine Defense Minister Carlos Alberto Presti contacted his Chilean counterpart, Fernando Barros Tocornal, to clarify Valverde's comments. Presti attributed the remarks to "confusion and sloppiness," emphasizing that his country's high-ranking air force officer is well-versed in the relevant laws, treaties, and court rulings, and there is no dispute about the Strait of Magellan belonging to Chile.

The Chilean government expressed gratitude for Argentina's willingness to clarify the situation and agreed to consider the incident settled. Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna announced that his office would send a formal protest letter to Argentina, asserting that Chile's sovereignty over the Strait of Magellan is indisputable.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its position that Argentina respects the treaties establishing the Strait of Magellan as Chilean territory and stressed its strategic importance for the Southern American continent, particularly in protecting its interests in the Malvinas Islands, South Atlantic, and Antarctica.