Argentine President Javier Milei said that “winds of change” favorable to Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands are blowing around the world, citing remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that he said suggested Washington could reconsider its position on the islands.
“Recently, President Trump declared that the U.S. is re-evaluating its historic position in relation to the Malvinas,” Milei said in a televised address, using Argentina’s name for the islands.
Trump said Monday, when asked whether he was reviewing the U.S. position, “I always review every position. That’s just one of many.” Milei described the response as a “threat” that was “not innocuous.”
Supporters had expected Milei to announce an unprecedented U.S. endorsement of Argentina’s sovereignty claim. Instead, he said the U.S. was considering a change because Argentina was a “reliable partner” aligned with Western values and strategically important.
Britain reiterates its sovereignty claim
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband was the latest senior political figure to respond, saying the U.K.’s position on the islands was “unwavering.”
“The islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the Islanders,” Miliband wrote on X. “Their right of self-determination is paramount, grounded in international law and we will resolutely uphold it.”
Earlier Thursday, British broadcaster GB News asked Trump whether he would come to Britain’s aid in a potential territorial dispute with Argentina. Trump pointed to Britain’s lack of support for the United States during the conflict with Iran.
The U.S. has formally recognized Britain’s de facto administration of the islands but has not taken a formal position on sovereignty. Reports of a possible change emerged in April after an internal Pentagon email raised the possibility of Washington reconsidering its stance.
Milei also announced measures targeting oil extraction initiatives in the North Falkland Basin, including a project involving Israeli company Navitas and British partner Rockhopper. He said the project violated a U.N. call for neither Argentina nor Britain to take unilateral action in the territory.
He also said he would increase resources for Argentina’s Defense Ministry, prioritizing construction of an integrated naval base in Tierra del Fuego.
Milei has increasingly emphasized the Falklands issue amid corruption allegations involving members of his government and economic difficulties. Some analysts have described his renewed focus on the Malvinas as an attempt to create a “smokescreen” as his popularity has fallen.
Britain has said its position is longstanding and that the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory.
Milei concluded his address by declaring: “The Malvinas are Argentinian.”
