Argentinas Milei seeks to leverage Trump connections in Falklands dispute

US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Argentine leader Javier Milei has been subject to scrutiny amid rising tensions between the US and UK over the disputed Falkland Islands.

Milei, a far-right populist leader, has met with Trump on multiple occasions and is a regular attendee at conservative pro-Trump gatherings in the US. The Argentinian president has described himself as Trump’s “favourite president.” The Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, have been a source of contention between London and Buenos Aires.

The islands are a self-governing British overseas territory in the southwest Atlantic Ocean, with a population of approximately 3,200 people. Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, citing inheritance from the Spanish crown in the 19th century. The UK has administered the islands since 1833, arguing that its long-established presence and the islanders’ pro-British preferences justify its claim.

In recent days, reports have suggested that the Pentagon is considering a review of US historical neutrality on the Falklands dispute. This comes as tensions between Washington and London have escalated over British criticism of Trump’s actions in Iran. Milei has recently sharpened his rhetoric on Argentina’s claim to the islands, citing strong negotiations with the UK.

The Falkland Islands have been at the center of a long-standing dispute between Argentina and the UK. The islands were named after Viscount Falkland by Englishman John Strong in 1690. Since then, the UK, Argentina, France, and Spain have established settlements on the islands. In 2013, Falklanders held a referendum, with 1,513 out of 1,517 voting in favor of remaining British.

In April 1982, Argentina seized the islands, leading to a military conflict with the UK that resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentinian and 255 British servicemen. Milei has cited Margaret Thatcher, a conservative politician, as a role model. The UK ultimately emerged victorious from the conflict.

Milei’s comments on the Falklands issue have been met with criticism from some opponents who argue he is not taking a firm enough stance. His popularity has also taken a hit domestically, with 61 percent of Argentinians disapproving of his leadership according to an AS/COA approval tracker.

Source: Al Jazeera