‘Now or never’ – Argentina targets UK, Malvinas oil project at tribunal

Argentina has taken its case to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), demanding provisional measures to halt the UK and companies from moving forward with the Sea Lion oil project in waters disputed by both nations. The delegation emphasized the urgency of such intervention, using the warning "it's now or never."

During the hearing, Argentine representatives affirmed the tribunal's prima facie jurisdiction and argued that there are valid rights to protect while the arbitration continues. They pointed out that drilling in the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands waters could cause irreparable harm. Legal scholar Marcelo Kohen stated that the tribunal could rule on the requested measures without addressing Argentina's sovereignty claim over the islands.

The request aims to prevent the unauthorized exploitation of disputed natural resources. Nico Schrijver, presenting the Dutch position, highlighted the urgency and risk of irreversible damage, noting that after deciding to invest on December 10, 2025, Sea Lion advanced from exploration to a concrete plan of exploitation. The project involves up to 26 permanent underwater wells and estimated production of 310.5 million barrels.

Argentina's Foreign Ministry legal advisor, Mario Oyarzábal, reiterated that all four requisites for issuing provisional measures were met: prima facie jurisdiction, plausible rights, risk of irreparable harm, and urgency. Argentina aims to stop new drilling, installation of production facilities, and the detrimental use of exploration data, while still complying with its obligations to protect the maritime environment.

The delegation assured that Argentina will continue employing legal and diplomatic tools to prevent the illicit exploitation of its natural resources. The tribunal is now to issue a decision, with no deadline set; some sources suggest it may be decided within the month. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno warned that Argentina could file criminal lawsuits against the executives of the oil companies involved, asserting that Argentine legislation deems their actions as criminal.