Argentina protests UK's Falklands oil license extension

Argentina formally protested to the United Kingdom on Tuesday over the Falkland Islands government's decision to extend offshore oil exploration licenses for five years, a move Argentina deems a violation of its sovereignty. The Argentine Foreign Ministry expressed strong rejection of the license extensions and the approval of Israeli firm Navitas Petroleum Atlantic Limited's acquisition of a 65% stake in block PL001. It stated such unilateral resource exploitation violates international law and Argentine sovereignty. Argentina vowed to use all diplomatic, legal, and economic tools to defend its rights and reiterated its call for bilateral negotiations. The Falkland Islands administration said the extensions, backed by the UK, provide operator security and support continued investment.