Falklands oil firms sued by Argentina

Argentina announced a lawsuit against companies linked to an Israeli-British oil project near the Falkland Islands, escalating Buenos Aires's claim over the disputed South Atlantic territory.

The presidency said Monday night that the lawsuit targets Navitas Petroleum Development & Production Ltd, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic United, Navitas Petroleum LP, IHI Associates Inc and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd.

Argentina's presidency said the companies allegedly hold licences granted by what Buenos Aires calls the illegitimate UK administration in the Falklands for hydrocarbon exploration or exploitation in the North Malvinas Basin.

The Sea Lion oil field involves Britain's Rockhopper Exploration and Israel's Navitas Petroleum, which are looking to establish a large-scale operation about 220 kilometres from the Falklands.

Buenos Aires argues that the arrangement breaches Argentine law, which prohibits hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation on its continental shelf without government authorisation. A 2011 law establishes penalties of up to 20 years of disqualification from operating in Argentina and up to 15 years in prison for the offence.

Argentina said Friday it intended to investigate and sanction 45 oil companies working in the area.

The Falklands, which Argentines call Las Malvinas, are about 600 kilometres east of Argentina's southernmost tip and are administered by Britain. Britain and Argentina fought a 1982 war over the islands that ended with Argentine surrender after 74 days and killed 649 Argentines and 255 British troops.

President Javier Milei renewed Argentina's claim to the Falklands in a speech Thursday after US President Donald Trump said Washington was reviewing its historically neutral position on the territory. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting wrote on social media Friday: “The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British.”

Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain British.