There have been a number of news stories in recent days about a diplomatic row between the United Kingdom and Argentina concerning proposals to pursue exploration for oil and gas on the continental shelf off the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. The Guardian reports that the Argentine government has issued a decree which will “in theory force all ships bound for the islands or travelling through waters claimed by Argentina to secure [a] new permit.” The purpose of the permit is apparently to prevent ships carrying oil exploration equipment from Argentina to the Islands. According to the Telegraph, the Argentine authorities have already prevented a ship, the Thor Leader, from leaving port carrying pipeline equipment which it was suspected was destined for the Islands. The diplomatic dispute raises a number of international law issues.