Argentina seeks maritime tribunal measures against Falklands oil activity

Argentina said on October 13 that it had requested provisional measures from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea against British-authorized hydrocarbon activity near the Falkland Islands.

Reuters reported that the government's request concerns the continental shelf of the Northern Falklands Basin. Argentina argues that British approvals infringe its sovereign rights. The announcement describes an application, rather than a prohibition already imposed by the tribunal.

In September, President Javier Milei's government proposed tougher penalties for companies and individuals involved in resource development without Argentine authorization. Congress has not approved the bill, which would update legislation dating from 2011.

Britain administers the islands, while Argentina claims sovereignty. The British government has defended the islanders' right to self-determination. Navitas Petroleum and Rockhopper Exploration, partners in the Sea Lion project, previously said they did not expect Argentina's actions to derail development.