Argentina Launches Sanctions Against 45 Targets Over Falklands Oil as Trump Re-evaluates US Stance
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 5
Argentina Launches Sanctions Against 45 Targets Over Falklands Oil as Trump Re-evaluates US Stance
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 5
Summary
Argentina on Saturday opened sanctions proceedings against 45 people and companies tied to planned oil exploration near the Falklands, escalating its sovereignty dispute with Britain.
Sea Lion drilling plans by UK-listed Rockhopper Exploration and Israeli-owned Navitas Petroleum within two years drove the move, with Javier Milei saying Argentina cannot let firms take oil reserves "under our sea."
The government has not identified the 45 targets or explained the practical effect of the sanctions, leaving their immediate impact unclear.
Trump's comment that he is re-evaluating the long-standing US position on the Falklands has emboldened Milei, who cast Argentina as a reliable Washington partner despite US recognition of British rule.
The flare-up also carries domestic stakes: Milei faces a presidential election next year and pressure from rivals accusing him of being too weak on the Falklands.