Iran designates Argentina's navy and air force as 'terrorist organizations'
What's the story
Iran has announced that it will designate Argentina's Navy and Air Force as "terrorist organizations." The decision was announced by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which cited "the principle of reciprocity" after Argentina designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in March. The statement does not mention Argentina's army.
Diplomatic dispute
Argentina rejects Iran's designation
"It is evident that the responsibility for all consequences arising from this matter will lie with the Argentine government," the statement adds.
Argentina's foreign ministry quickly rejected Iran's designation, calling it "This measure is completely baseless and constitutes an unacceptable accusation."
Iran and Argentina have a strained relationship, with Buenos Aires blaming the Iran-backed group Hezbollah for a deadly bombing attack on the AMIA Jewish community center in the capital in 1994, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds.
Retaliation law
What president's office saidÂ
The office of Argentinian President Javier Milei referenced the bombing incident on March 31, when it issued the "terrorist" designation against the IRGC.
"President Javier Milei hopes this decision will settle a historical debt of more than 30 years with the families of the victims," his office said.
Argentina's decision also aligned with a push under United States President Donald Trump to isolate Iran, with Milei positioning his government firmly behind the US and Israel.