Argentina Expels Iranian Diplomat Amid Tensions Over Blacklisted IRGC Entity

Argentina Expels Iranian Diplomat Amid Escalating Tensions

Argentina has issued an expulsion order for Mohsen Tehrani, Iran’s charge d’affaires in Buenos Aires, due to what the Foreign Ministry described as “false, offensive and unfounded accusations” made by Tehran. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

The Iranian statement rejected Argentina’s designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group, prompting the Argentine government to take action. According to the Foreign Ministry, the Iranian response contained claims that were deemed unacceptable interference in Argentina’s internal affairs and misrepresentation of decisions made in accordance with international law and national law.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, stating it was an “action against Iran’s security and national interests.” Tehran claimed the decision was influenced by external pressures from the Israeli government, which has been a key ally of Argentina under President Javier Milei. The US had previously designated the IRGC as a terrorist group in 2019, followed by several other countries.

Argentina’s stance on Israel is notable, given Milei’s pro-Israel views and alignment with former US President Donald Trump’s administration. In 2024, an Argentine court ruled that Iran was responsible for the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Buenos Aires, which killed dozens of people. The Iranian government has denied involvement in the attack.

In response to the ruling, Argentina accused Iran of failing to cooperate with the investigation or hand over suspects. Tehran claimed the probe had been subject to political influence, leading to unresolved questions about the bombing.

Source: Al Jazeera