Iran has designated Argentina’s Navy and Air Force as terrorist organisations in retaliation for Buenos Aires’ decision to classify Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Wednesday, November 11, describing it as a reciprocal measure against Argentina’s action earlier this year.
The development has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have been at odds over Iran’s alleged involvement in deadly attacks in Argentina during the 1990s.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the designation was based on the principle of reciprocity, arguing that Argentina had violated international law by targeting an official branch of Iran’s armed forces.
“It is evident that the responsibility for all consequences arising from this matter will lie with the Argentine government,” the ministry said, without providing further details about the possible consequences.
READ RELATED NEWS
France summons Iranian ambassador over cyberattack on 700 supermarkets
Russian strikes leave over 600,000 Ukrainians without electricity
DISPUTE OVER IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS
Argentina designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation in April, following pressure from the administration of United States President Donald Trump.
Buenos Aires said its decision was linked to the IRGC’s alleged support for Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group accused of carrying out the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires.
The attack killed 85 people and injured hundreds, making it the deadliest bombing in Argentina’s history.
Argentina has long accused Iran of involvement in the attack, allegations Tehran has consistently denied.
IRAN CITES RECIPROCAL MEASURES
Iran said its decision was based on a 2019 law introduced following the United States’ designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
The legislation provides for reciprocal measures against countries that support or comply with Washington’s designation.
Under the latest decision, Tehran specifically named Argentina’s Navy and Air Force, without including the country’s Army.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry also warned that Buenos Aires would bear responsibility for any consequences arising from the designation.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS ARE EXTEND BEYOND ARGENTINA
The latest development follows a similar decision by Iran against British military institutions earlier this month.
On November 1, Tehran designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and classified its foreign intelligence agency, MI6, as a hostile group.
The measures were also linked to Britain’s position on the IRGC.
Iran’s latest action against Argentina highlights the widening diplomatic dispute surrounding the designation of its Revolutionary Guard, particularly as the United States continues encouraging its allies to adopt similar measures.
