UK denies negotiating to lift arms export ban on Argentina despite Milei's claims
The UK government has denied claims made by Argentina's President Milei that talks are underway to lift the arms export ban imposed during the Falklands War era. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Milei indicated that discussions had started regarding restrictions on arms exports to Argentina and mentioned a potential visit to the UK in April or May 2026. He also suggested that sovereignty over the Falkland Islands could be transferred to Argentina through diplomatic efforts.
However, the UK reaffirmed that sovereignty over the Falkland Islands is not negotiable. The Falklands War in 1982 lasted about ten weeks, resulting in 255 British and 649 Argentinian deaths. Since then, the UK has maintained strict arms export controls to avoid enhancing Argentina's military capabilities. The 2013 referendum saw islanders overwhelmingly vote to remain a part of the UK.
UK officials emphasized that there are currently no talks with Argentina about relaxing these arms export controls. Instead, the UK aims to deepen cooperation with Argentina in areas such as trade, science, and culture while maintaining its position on the Falkland Islands issue.
