Iran Designates Argentina’s Navy and Air Force as Terrorist Organizations in Retaliation Over IRGC Listing

Iran has designated Argentina’s navy and air force as terrorist organizations in retaliation for Buenos Aires’ decision to classify Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity, escalating a dispute rooted in decades of accusations over deadly attacks in Argentina. ⠀ In a statement on November 11, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called Argentina’s designation a hostile act that violated international law. Tehran said its response followed the “principle of reciprocity” and a 2019 law allowing measures against countries that support the United States’ terrorist designation of the IRGC. ⠀ The ministry warned that Argentina would bear responsibility for any consequences of the decision, without specifying what action might follow. Iran named the Argentine navy and air force, but not the army. ⠀ President Javier Milei’s government announced the IRGC designation on March 31, accusing Iranian officials and the Revolutionary Guards of involvement in the 1992 bombing of Israel’s embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish community center. The two bombings killed 29 and 85 people, respectively. ⠀ Argentina says the IRGC supported Hezbollah, which it holds responsible for the attacks. Iran denies involvement in the bombings. ⠀ Tehran took a similar step on November 1 against Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force following London’s measures against the IRGC. Iran has not specified the practical consequences of its latest designation.