Argentine judge orders suspension of 'Sea Lion' Malvinas oil project

A judge in Argentina has ordered a suspension of a British-Israeli oil project near the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, a territory under British administration. This decision comes as Argentina intensifies its claim over the islands, which sparked a brief but intense 10-week war with Britain in 1982. The interim ruling was issued in Rio Grande, a city in southern Tierra del Fuego Province, following a lawsuit filed by war veterans and environmental lawyers from the 1982 conflict.

The plaintiffs sought to halt Britain's Rockhopper Exploration and Israel's Navitas Petroleum from developing the 'Sea Lion' oil field, situated approximately 137 miles from the islands.

The judge ruled that the companies must cease any activities involving drilling, infrastructure installation, or hydrocarbon extraction. The suspension is set to remain in place until the environmental impact assessment procedure is carried out before the national authority responsible for environmental matters. The judge also granted the parties 10 days to provide additional information, including details about the project's status, contractors, and financiers. Production on the site was initially scheduled to commence in 2028.

This regulatory action is part of Argentina's escalating efforts to assert its claim over the Malvinas Islands. The country has taken legal action against the project, arguing that it contravenes a UN resolution advocating for both sides to avoid unilateral actions until their dispute is resolved. The 1982 war concluded with Argentina's surrender after 74 days of conflict, resulting in 649 Argentine and 255 British casualties.

Buenos Aires has reinforced its claim over the islands since US President Donald Trump suggested Washington was open to reviewing its traditionally neutral stance on the territory.

London maintains that the islands are British and does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Argentine courts over the archipelago. Islanders voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain under British rule. However, Argentina rejects this outcome, asserting that the principle of self-determination does not apply to the population it considers to have been settled by Britain following the 1833.

The UN has recognized the sovereignty dispute between the two nations since 1965, urging them to negotiate and refrain from unilateral decisions regarding the territory.