Iran Labels Argentine Military as Terrorist Organizations in Diplomatic Retaliation
Iran's Response to Argentina's Designation
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Tehran, Nov 11: The Iranian Foreign Ministry declared on Wednesday that it has classified the Argentine Navy and Air Force as terrorist organizations.
This action was taken following Argentina's decision in late March to label Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, according to a ministry statement.
The ministry criticized Argentina's move as "hostile and contrary to the fundamental principles of international law," asserting that Iran's designation was a reciprocal measure based on domestic legislation aimed at countering the US's classification of the IRGC as a terrorist entity.
This law mandates equivalent responses against nations that align with or endorse US actions against Iran, the statement noted. The ministry held the Argentine government accountable for any repercussions stemming from this decision, emphasizing that the IRGC is a vital component of Iran's military forces.
On March 31, the office of Argentine President Javier Milei announced the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
This decision followed pressure from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which urged allies to classify the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist groups.
The Argentine government justified its action by citing the IRGC's backing of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant organization, which Buenos Aires holds responsible for a devastating bombing in 1994 at the AMIA Jewish community center in the capital, resulting in 85 fatalities and over 300 injuries.
Earlier this month, Iran's Foreign Ministry also announced that it had designated the UK's Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Secret Intelligence Service as "terrorist and hostile" entities due to the British government's actions against Iran.
In a related development, Qatar reported on Tuesday that there has been progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing recent discussions involving Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani as constructive, while cautioning that it remains too early to determine when a deal might be finalized.