Iran Designates Argentina's Navy and Air Force as Terrorist Organizations

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has officially classified the navy and air force of Argentina as "terrorist organizations." This decision marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Tehran stating that the move was taken based on the principle of reciprocity. The ministry warned that the Argentine government would be held responsible for any consequences arising from this development, though it made no mention of the country's army.

Understanding Iran Argentina relations

This development follows a decision made by Argentina in early April to label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a "terrorist organization." At the time, Buenos Aires stated that this action was taken due to the IRGC's support for the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. Argentina has long held Hezbollah responsible for the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, an attack that resulted in the deaths of 85 people. The designation of the IRGC by Argentina occurred amid pressure from the United States to take such measures following the war on Iran.

Iran has designated Argentina's navy and air force as terrorist organizations in a retaliatory diplomatic move.

Iran's decision is supported by legislation passed in 2019, which grants the government authority to implement retaliatory measures against any state that classifies its military forces as a terrorist group. The IRGC, which was established following the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the nation's clerical regime, has since evolved into a powerful entity with significant political and economic influence. Unlike the elected president, the IRGC operates under the direct authority of the supreme leader. While the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union already classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization, Iran's latest move specifically targets the Argentine military branches involved in the diplomatic dispute.

Why it matters

This tit-for-tat designation represents a sharp decline in bilateral relations between Iran and Argentina. By targeting specific branches of the Argentine armed forces, Tehran has signaled a firm stance against the actions taken by Buenos Aires earlier this year. The move highlights the ongoing geopolitical friction surrounding the IRGC and the long-standing legal and political disputes regarding historical attacks in South America.