Milei says ‘winds of change’ favour Argentina in Falklands row

BUENOS AIRES, September 4 — President Javier Milei declared on national television that "winds of change" are favoring Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands, citing Washington's potential review of its neutrality on the dispute with Britain as a possible turning point. The Falklands, known as Las Malvinas by Argentines, were the subject of a 10-week conflict between Britain and Argentina in 1982.

The islands resurfaced in recent days with US President Donald Trump hinting at possible intervention and a British-Israeli oil project near the islands causing tensions in Argentina. During his solemn address, Milei promised Argentina would not "stand idly by" amid the project and announced sanctions on firms connected to oil extraction within Argentine territory under British control.

Milei referenced Trump's threat to withdraw support for Britain's sovereignty over the islands, which has reignited the debate over the Falklands' ownership. The islands' control remains a highly sensitive issue in Argentina, despite a 2013 referendum where islanders voted overwhelmingly to stay under British rule. Argentine Falklands War veterans and environmental lawyers filed a lawsuit to halt the project, which is backed by British firm Rockhopper and Israeli company Navitas.

Milei argued that the project contravened a United Nations resolution urging both parties to refrain from unilateral actions in the islands, warning that allowing it would enable Britain to expand its occupation and exploit Argentine resources. His approval ratings have dropped significantly, with polls indicating only about 34 percent of Argentines support his austerity and deregulation policies as he prepares for re-election.

Trump's recent announcement that the United States is reviewing its stance on the Falkland Islands came amid reports that Washington is planning to oppose Britain's sovereignty if it fails to boost defense spending. Trump dismissed Britain's military aid during the Iran war and refused to state whether he would support Britain in a potential conflict with Argentina, suggesting that the Falklands issue serves his agenda of pressuring the UK to meet his demands for NATO funding and cooperation in the Iran war.