Tension between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands rose further when Britain revealed its plans for military exercises in the disputed islands. The military drills, taking place from April 14-27, are “routine,” biannual exercises that the British have conducted for years, according to the United Kingdom Foreign Office.

Buenos Aires summoned the British ambassador to Argentina to protest Britain’s display of force. The Falklands is one of the world’s most militarized regions in terms of military personnel per capita, according to Argentina, which sees the military maneuvers as threatening. Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner accused the British of using the Falklands as a “nato military nuclear base in the South Atlantic.”

Secular history proves that these islands legally belong to the British. Last year, almost all Falkland Islanders voted to remain under British sovereignty. The UK has remained steadfast in its position over the disputed islands.

But so has Argentina. Just three weeks ago, on the 32nd anniversary of its invasion of the British-occupied islands, Argentina launched a new 50 peso banknote proudly displaying a map of the islands.

Even as Argentine pressure mounts against Britain, U.S. support for the British cause is waning. The same day Argentina launched its 50 peso bill, a British House of Commons’ report decried the souring “special relationship” between Britain and the United States over the Falklands: “We are disappointed that the U.S. administration fails to give priority to the principle of self-determination in its position on sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.”

The U.S. has received criticism for taking a neutral stance over the dispute. Some observers believe the U.S. has already crossed the neutral line toward Argentina’s side.

Also on Argentina’s side is the Vatican. Recently released documents have shown John Paul ii’s papal politicking over the islands when he unsuccessfully tried to persuade Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to leave the Falklands to Argentina. With an Argentine pope now heading the Vatican, more help can be expected. Kirchner has already worked to recruit Pope Francis in the Falklands dispute.

With so much pressure against them, it looks certain that the British will eventually budge and lose the Falkland Islands. Bible history and prophecy show that the Falklands are part of the global empire God bestowed on Britain in fulfillment of an ancient promise. The Bible also prophesies that God will remove those blessings from Britain to teach the importance of obedience.

The current dispute over the Falklands is directly tied to the fulfillment of these prophecies. To understand more about our basis for these predictions, read our article “Britain on Course to Lose Falklands.”