UK stresses 'unwavering' position on Falkland Islands ahead of Argentine president's announcement

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Anadolu Ajansı © 2026

Britain has reiterated its "long-standing and unwavering" position on the Falkland Islands, saying they "are and will remain a British Overseas Territory" ahead of Argentine President Javier Milei's planned announcement on the islands.

In a statement to Anadolu, the British Foreign Office reaffirmed that, as minister Uma Kumaran told parliament earlier Wednesday, the UK's position on the Falkland Islands is "long-standing and unwavering."

"They are and will remain a British Overseas Territory, in line with the wishes of the Falkland Islanders," said a spokesperson for the Foreign Office.

The spokesperson added: "The Islanders' right to self-determination is paramount."

It came after President Milei's post on US social media platform X Tuesday, saying he will address Argentina’s "historic claim" to the Falkland Islands in a national broadcast that will be televised at 9 pm local time on Thursday (0000GMT Friday).

Milei claimed what he called "the Malvinas cause" is a historic claim of the Argentine people that to this day "continues to see its national sovereignty violated."

"We will continue defending the interests of the Argentine Nation with tooth and nail, no matter who it bothers," added the president.

Milei's remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump suggested he is reconsidering US support for UK's sovereignty over the Islands, in a move which could strain the "special relationship" between the two countries.

"I always review every position – that’s just one of many," the US president told reporters in the White House on Tuesday.

In 2013, the people of the Falkland Islands voted overwhelmingly in favor of remaining a UK Overseas Territory. Of 1,517 votes cast in the referendum, 1,513 were in favor and three against.