Argentina Files Lawsuit to Halt UK-Israeli Oil Project Near Falklands

Argentine civil groups initiated legal proceedings on Tuesday aimed at halting a large-scale offshore oil project operated by British firm Rockhopper Exploration and Israeli company Navitas Petroleum near the Falkland Islands.

The archipelago, located in the South Atlantic, is claimed by Argentina under the name Las Malvinas. Argentina attempted unsuccessfully to seize control from the United Kingdom in 1982.

The lawsuit follows a statement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, in which he said he does not rule out reviewing Washington’s traditionally neutral stance on the disputed territory.

Argentine far-right President Javier Milei announced on X on Tuesday that he would address “the sacred cause of Argentines: the issue of the Malvinas Islands” in a televised speech scheduled for Thursday evening.

In his post, Milei wrote: “What issue could be more important and strategic for the vital interests of the nation than the Malvinas issue?”

Project location and legal basis for challenge

The oil project targets the “Sea Line” field, situated approximately 220 kilometers from the Falkland Islands, according to veterans’ associations and environmental lawyers leading the litigation, as reported by AFP.

Plaintiffs argue the initiative violates a United Nations resolution requiring parties to refrain from unilateral measures while a territorial dispute remains unresolved.

Although the project lies within waters under British jurisdiction, the plaintiffs contend that a ruling issued by domestic Argentine courts could impact its implementation.