Argentina challenges UK resource exploitation in Falkland Islands

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno has intensified the country's stance regarding sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) during the 48th anniversary of the Argentine Council on International Relations (CARI). Speaking at the event in the presence of British Ambassador David Cairns, Quirno criticized the United Kingdom for refusing to negotiate sovereignty and for taking unilateral measures to exploit natural resources in disputed maritime spaces.

Argentina is preparing to request precautionary measures from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to halt oil exploration activities in the area. This move follows an ultimatum issued by President Javier Milei to London regarding hydrocarbon exploration on the Argentine continental shelf. The government noted that sanctions and regulatory pressures have already impacted companies involved in the Sea Lion project, such as the British firm Rockhopper and the Israeli company Navitas Petroleum, as well as service provider Halliburton, which has reportedly ceased services related to the project.

Quirno emphasized that preventing the exploitation of these resources is a central strategy to peacefully recover full sovereignty. The British Ambassador reportedly took notes during the speech and departed the event shortly after, stating, “I have to inform my government.”