Falklands takeover threat as Milei accuses UK of 'illegal occupation'

Argentina's President Javier Milei has stepped up his rhetoric over the Falkland Islands, accusing Britain of "illegally occupying" the remote archipelago during a fiery speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. The right-winger described his country's claim on the islands, which he referred to as the "Islas Malvinas," as "legitimate" and "unrenounceable" and urged the UK to resume bilateral negotiations to resolve what he called a "colonial situation".

Speaking to world leaders, Mr Milei said: "I wish to reiterate our legitimate claim in terms of sovereignty over the Malvinas and the surrounding maritime areas that continue to be illegally occupied. In spite of the fact that 80 years have elapsed since the creation of the UN, colonial situations such as this one remain unresolved. For this reason, we call on the United Kingdom to resume bilateral negotiations."

The remarks follow a social media post by Yair Netanyahu, son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who wrote on September 23, 2025: "I recognise the Falkland Islands as part of Argentina!"

The comment, made from Miami, was praised by Argentine officials. Nahuel Sotelo, Argentina's Secretary of Worship, called it "historic," while Agustin Romo, head of Milei's party bloc, thanked Yair, who responded with Argentine and Israeli flag emojis.

Mr Milei also expressed hope that Falkland Islanders would "vote with their feet" and join Argentina, inviting them to a ceremony marking Argentina's 1982 defeat in the Falklands War.

Such an outcome would appear unlikely - In a referendum on the subject in 2013, 99.8% of 1,513 Falklands voters chose to remain a British Overseas Territory, with just three votes against the status quo.

The Falklands War saw Argentine forces invade the British Overseas Territory in April 1982, only to surrender in June after 72 days, suffering nearly three times as many casualties as British forces.

Speaking in 2022, a Falkland Islands government statement said: "Falkland Islanders clearly stated their desire to remain a part of the UK overseas family in the 2013 referendum, when 99.8 percent voted for the Islands to remain a self-governing UK Overseas Territory.

"We remain a diverse, resilient and peaceful community that has prospered over time, thanks to the pioneering efforts of the people who travelled here from across the globe, with some families being able to trace their heritage back nine generations."

Mr Milei's comments have drawn criticism from domestic opponents, who argue Falkland Islanders have no right to self-determination.

Express.co.uk has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.