Argentina to File New Legal Complaints Against Falklands Oil Firms
Argentina will file fresh legal complaints against companies exploring for oil near the Falkland Islands, escalating its campaign as Britain reaffirms its position.
Argentina announced on Tuesday that it will file new legal complaints against companies exploring for oil near the Falkland Islands, intensifying its push against businesses operating in the British overseas territory.
The move is part of a wider effort by President Javier Milei's government, which is also preparing legislation this week to tighten sanctions on firms active in the islands. Analysts suggest the measures could heighten tensions with Britain if Buenos Aires extends its targeting to other sectors of the islands' economy.
Government spokesperson Adrian Ravier told a press conference that additional complaints would be lodged against companies operating in the Falklands, without naming them. Argentine newspaper Clarin reported that a federal prosecutor had requested an investigation into executives and shareholders of Israel's Navitas Petroleum and Britain's Rockhopper Exploration.
Milei's administration has previously singled out Navitas and Rockhopper as it pursues Argentina's sovereignty claim over the archipelago, known in Argentina as the Malvinas. Neither company responded immediately to requests for comment, though both have previously stated that their oilfield project holds valid licences from the Falkland Islands government and indicated they do not expect the Argentine actions to disrupt development. The office of federal prosecutor Carlos Stornelli did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Earlier on Tuesday, Britain sought to reassure businesses operating in the Falklands. In guidance published on its government website, London said it supported all legitimate economic activity in the islands and backed the right of Falkland Islanders to regulate their economy and develop their natural resources, including hydrocarbons.
"The UK government's position is that Argentina has no right to exercise jurisdiction over the Falkland Islands or to apply its domestic law within the Islands, nor towards any companies or individuals participating in business in or connected with the Islands," the guidance stated. Britain added that it saw no legal basis for courts outside Argentina to enforce measures taken against such businesses.
Argentina invaded the islands in 1982, leading to a 10-week war that ended with its surrender to Britain.