# Milei pushes legal action over Malvinas oil project

> Argentina seeks tribunal to block UK oil project in disputed waters.
- Title: Milei pushes legal action over Malvinas oil project | Shortify
- Summary: Argentina seeks tribunal to block UK oil project in disputed waters. Argentina will ask ITLOS to halt UK and Israel's Sea Lion oil project in disputed…
- Keywords: argentina, united kingdom, sea lion oil project, malvinas islands, itlos, navitas petroleum, rockhopper exploration, javier milei, unclos, provisional measures, news, politics
- Source: Buenos Aires Times — https://batimes.com.ar/news/world/milei-prepares-legal-escalation-over-malvinas-oil-project.phtml
- Published: 2026-10-09T13:32:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: argentina, united kingdom, sea lion oil project, malvinas islands, itlos, navitas petroleum, rockhopper exploration, javier milei, unclos, provisional measures, news, politics
## Deadline expires
Argentina's government prepares to ask an international tribunal to halt the Sea Lion offshore oil project near the Malvinas Islands after Britain ignores a two-week deadline set by President Javier Milei.
## Sea Lion project details
The Sea Lion field lies 220 kilometres north of the Malvinas Islands, claimed by Argentina but controlled by Britain since 1833.
## Project ownership
Navitas Petroleum holds 65 percent stake in Sea Lion, with Rockhopper Exploration owning the remaining 35 percent.
## Production plans
Both companies plan to start producing oil in 2028 after drilling early next year, aiming for up to 55,000 barrels a day initially.
## Argentina's demand
Argentina requires companies to choose between operating illegally in disputed territory or doing so profitably and safely in Argentina.
## UK response
Britain rejects Argentina's position, backing the development of the islands' natural resources and calling Argentina's measures 'illegitimate and legally unjustified'.
## Arbitration push
Argentina will ask ITLOS to impose provisional measures while the wider arbitration proceeds under UNCLOS/CONVEMAR.
## Key takeaway

Argentina will ask ITLOS to halt UK and Israel's Sea Lion oil project in disputed Malvinas waters after Britain ignores deadline.