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Iran classes Argentina navy, air force as ‘terrorist organizations’
Iran has classified Argentina’s navy and air force as terrorist organisations, saying the move follows the principle of reciprocity. The decision responds to Argentina’s designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation in April, escalating tensions between the two governments.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that Argentina would bear responsibility for any consequences, but did not mention the Argentine army. A 2019 Iranian law provides for retaliatory measures against states that designate Iran’s military as terrorist. Argentina said its action against the IRGC was based on the force’s support for Hezbollah, which Buenos Aires holds responsible for the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre that killed 85 people. The US, EU and UK also classify the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
In short
- Iran designated Argentina’s navy and air force as terrorist organisations.
- Tehran said the move was reciprocal after Argentina’s April decision.
- Argentina links the IRGC to Hezbollah and the 1994 AMIA bombing.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Iran can argue that Argentina’s designation of the IRGC, a branch of its armed forces, warrants reciprocal treatment under Iranian law and that reciprocity signals opposition to what it sees as politically selective labelling. Its warning may also be intended to deter further measures against Iranian institutions.
The case against
Argentina can argue that its designation responds to the IRGC’s alleged support for Hezbollah, which it holds responsible for the 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people. On this view, classifying Argentina’s navy and air force as terrorist organisations does not address those allegations and risks escalating tensions by applying the label to forces not identified in Iran’s announcement as connected to them.