Milei to seek tough sanctions for firms operating in Malvinas, announces new naval base

Argentine President Javier Milei has issued a stern warning to foreign companies operating in the Malvinas Islands, demanding they cease their unauthorized oil drilling activities. Milei stated that his government plans to issue a decree to impose stricter sanctions on these firms and will submit a bill to Congress with the objective of safeguarding national sovereignty.

The bill also aims to establish a national security council to devise a coordinated strategy to defend sovereignty and reclaim the Malvinas Islands. This strategy includes the construction of a naval base in Tierra del Fuego province, enabling Argentina to bolster its geopolitical influence in a region of strategic importance to the nation.

Milei reiterated that any further advancements in the Malvinas will be deemed a breach of national security. The president emphasized Argentina's historical claim over the islands, describing the situation as a "colonial situation" and the recovery of the islands as a "permanent and unwaivable" national cause. Milei highlighted recent positive trends, mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump's recent ambiguous remarks and noting that Washington now regards Argentina as a "trusted partner."

He also criticized the United Kingdom, accusing it of being on a "downward path." Milei pointed out that for the past 50 years, the United Nations has urged Argentina and the UK to refrain from unilateral actions until the sovereignty issue is resolved. He specifically mentioned the Sea Lion oil field project, operated by Israeli company Navitas Petroleum and British company Rockhopper Exploration, as an "exceptionally serious event" that has never occurred before, as it involves the extraction of non-renewable resources claimed by Argentina.

If not addressed promptly, the project could enable the extraction of oil reserves located beneath Malvinas' sea within a few months.