Argentina’s president is preparing to make a national statement on the Falklands, amid reports he could slap sanctions on oil drilling off the islands’ coast.
Javier Milei said he would deliver a televised address in the early hours of Friday, warning his country would defend its interests “with tooth and nail”.
It comes amid renewed tensions over the British overseas territory after US President Donald Trump hinted the US would not help the UK in a future conflict over the islands, saying Britain was “not there to help me” with the war in Iran.
Reports last week suggested the US could revise its officially neutral position on the islands’ sovereignty if the Government does not increase defence spending.
The prospect of an oil boom around the Falklands has angered Argentina, which claims sovereignty over the islands it calls Las Malvinas.
Mr Milei is understood to be preparing sanctions relating to offshore drilling in the region, The Telegraph reported.
The Sea Lion oilfield, where production is expected to begin in 2028, is owned by an Israeli and a British firm.
The newspaper also pointed to speculation that Washington could be seeking access to the oil produced there.
Sarah Rogers, a senior official in the US State Department, wrote on X that “exciting things are happening in the Western Hemisphere” alongside a photo of her and Mr Milei ahead of his speech.
The US president on Thursday suggested he would not back the UK in a fight over the territory.
Asked in an interview if he would “come to the aid” of the UK, the US president told GB News: “Well look, I was there when they had the first war.
“That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well.
“You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away. That’s a big trip, it’s a long way.
“So, your country’s not doing well. Don’t forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren’t there to help me.
“Your country was not there to help me. We didn’t need help, but I did ask Nato, and I asked your former leader, ‘why didn’t you send a couple of ships?’
“He said we don’t have any, and it was pretty sad, the whole thing. So Nato was not there, even though they get – most of those countries get – a big portion of their oil from there. So we’re doing that by ourselves.”
In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and just three votes against.
Although the US is formally neutral, Washington provided support for Britain’s campaign to retake the islands after the Argentinian invasion in 1982.
Downing Street said earlier this week that the UK’s position on the Falklands was “long-standing and unwavering”.
“Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount.
“The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”
Read MoreFIFA accuses European body UEFA of 'smear campaign' in filing related to World Cup sell-off plan
Soda sales fizzle out after changes to food stamps prevent recipients from buying pop
Trump says Prince Harry’s treatment of Prince William was ‘terrible’
Brazil considers reciprocal measures after EU halts imports of Brazilian goods
Camilla makes surprise appearance at star-studded London event
Olivia Colman congratulates Queen on ‘great job’ in surprise letter reading
