Iran has designated Argentina's navy and air force as terrorist organisations, escalating a diplomatic confrontation between Tehran and Buenos Aires after
Argentina took similar action against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in April. Iran's Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the two Argentine military branches had been designated on the principle of reciprocity. The move follows Argentina's decision to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, a step taken amid pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration on allies to adopt similar measures. In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry said Tehran considered the Argentine Air Force and Navy terrorist organisations. It also warned that "the responsibility for all consequences arising from this matter will lie with the Argentine government", without specifying what those consequences could be. Notably, Tehran's announcement named Argentina's navy and air force but made no mention of the country's army.
Why Argentina designated Iran's IRGC
Argentina's decision in April was linked to Iran's alleged support for Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant organisation that Buenos Aires holds responsible for the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community centre in the Argentine capital.
The attack remains the deadliest bombing in Argentina's history. It killed 85 people and injured hundreds, making the question of accountability a longstanding issue in the country's relations with Iran.
The designation of the IRGC followed a push by the Trump administration for its allies to classify the Iranian military force as a terrorist organisation. Buenos Aires' decision marked a significant step in its approach towards Tehran, which has now responded by targeting two branches of Argentina's armed forces.
What is Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is an elite military force established to protect Iran's Shiite clerical system. It operates alongside the country's conventional armed forces and exercises considerable influence over Iran's economy.
Argentina's designation of the IRGC and Tehran's subsequent action against the Argentine Navy and Air Force have brought the two countries into a reciprocal diplomatic confrontation. Iran's warning that Buenos Aires would bear responsibility for any consequences adds to the tensions, although its Foreign Ministry has not elaborated on what action, if any, could follow the announcement.
