Argentina asks ITLOS to block Falklands oil project

Argentina asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on Tuesday to block a British-Israeli hydrocarbon exploration project off the disputed Falkland Islands.

The request targets the Sea Lion oil project, led by Britain's Rockhopper and Israel's Navitas. President Javier Milei's administration says the project violates a UN resolution calling for both sides to avoid unilateral actions in the islands while the dispute remains unresolved.

Argentina's presidency said the request seeks to preserve Argentina's sovereign rights and prevent activities authorized by the United Kingdom from worsening the dispute recognized by the United Nations. The tribunal, based in Hamburg, Germany, issues binding rulings.

Argentina and Britain fought a 10-week war in 1982 over the South Atlantic islands, which Argentines call Las Malvinas. London does not recognize Argentine jurisdiction over the islands, which have been under British control since 1833.

Milei has introduced a bill to impose tougher penalties for exploiting natural resources on the islands. In mid-September, Argentine courts ordered the suspension of the project after two organizations filed a petition alleging environmental damage in the area.

The British government has said it stands behind businesses operating near the Falklands and argues that islanders have the right to develop their natural resources. Island residents voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain British, but Argentina rejects that outcome, saying self-determination does not apply to a population it considers implanted by Britain after 1833.