Javier Milei and Wes Streeting Ministers have hit back at Argentina after the country’s president Javier Milei renewed his country’s supposed claim over the Falkland Islands. In an overnight national address, Milei alleged “winds of change favourable” to Argentina were “blowing around the world” after Donald Trump hinted he could reconsider the US’s position on the British overseas territory. Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the archipelago which it calls “Las Malvinas”, even though the Falkland population overwhelmingly voted to remain British in a 2013 referendum. Milei also threatened to issue sanctions on oil companies near the south Atlantic islands, claiming they were working “under the British occupation”. Production at the Sea Lion oilfield in the region, which is owned by an Israeli and a British firm, is due to begin in 2028. But UK defence secretary Wes Streeting said on X: “Milei’s statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands. “The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable.” Foreign secretary Ed Miliband said this week that the UK’s position was “unwavering”. He added that the islands are “British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the islanders.” “Their right of self-determination is paramount, grounded in international law and we will resolutely uphold it,” Miliband said. In a referendum in 2013, 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to remain British. Labour MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs select committee, Emily Thornberry, also wrote on X: “President Trump would be well advised to put more thought and effort into a negotiated resolution of his war with Iran and less into trying to pick fights with one of America’s oldest and most loyal allies. #Falklands.” The rising tensions come after the US president suggested America would not support the UK in a future conflict over the Falklands. He told GB News that Britain was “not there to help me” with the Iran conflict, referring to Keir Starmer’s refusal to send a warship to help America re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said earlier this week that he was “reviewing” America’s position on the Falklands, too. Overnight, Milei said: “I want to be quite clear with everybody. The Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally. “There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory. “The islanders on their usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination and any argument on any such self-determination is invalid.” Milei said Trump and the US was “assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands”. “That is not empty words as they understand that Argentina is a reliable partner and a valuable ally for decades to come,” he said “Our role and relevance as a country in the world has changed dramatically. “The Falklands are our future – we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward. “It is the best way of paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for this cause. It is our obligation as a nation to honour their memory.” Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Exclusive: Labour Mock Nigel Farage Over £5m Gift At Reform UK Conference Donald Trump Suggests He Would Not Support UK If Argentina Invaded Falklands Downing Street Hits Back At Donald Trump Amid Falklands Row