Iran has announced that it is designating Argentina's Navy and Air Force as terrorist organisations, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries following Argentina's earlier decision to classify Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
The announcement was made by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Tehran described the decision as a reciprocal measure, arguing that Argentina had taken a hostile action against an official component of Iran's armed forces.
The development has attracted international attention because it represents another escalation in the diplomatic disagreement between the two countries and reflects wider geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Iran and their international partners.
Why Iran Took Action Against Argentina
According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the decision was made in response to Argentina's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
Iranian officials argued that the IRGC is an official component of the country's armed forces and accused Argentina of violating fundamental principles of international law by classifying it as a terrorist organisation.
Tehran said its latest decision was based on the principle of reciprocity and a 2019 Iranian law that provides for countermeasures against countries supporting the United States' designation of the IRGC.
Under this legislation, Iran considers countries that support or comply with the American designation eligible for reciprocal measures.
Consequently, the Iranian government announced that Argentina's Navy and Air Force would be covered by the law and formally designated them as terrorist organisations.
Iran also warned that the Argentine government would bear responsibility for any consequences arising from the decision, although it did not specify what those consequences might involve.
Argentina Previously Designated Iran's Revolutionary Guard
The diplomatic disagreement intensified after Argentina announced on March 31, 2026, that it had designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.
The decision was announced under the administration of Argentine President Javier Milei, who has maintained close diplomatic relationships with the United States and Israel.
Argentina justified its action by pointing to the IRGC's alleged support for Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based armed organisation.
The Argentine government has repeatedly linked Iran and Hezbollah to two major attacks in Buenos Aires during the 1990s.
These include the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community centre.
The 1994 attack killed 85 people and injured hundreds of others, making it the deadliest bombing in Argentina's history.
Argentina has accused Iranian officials and Hezbollah of involvement in the attacks, allegations that Iran has denied.
The designation of the IRGC was therefore presented by Buenos Aires as part of its national security and counterterrorism policy.
Who Are the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is one of Iran's most influential military institutions.
Established following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the organisation was created to protect the country's Islamic political system and support its national security interests.
Over the years, the IRGC has developed significant military, political and economic influence within Iran.
It operates separately from the country's conventional military structure and reports directly to Iran's supreme leader.
The organisation has also attracted international controversy because of its activities and alleged connections to armed groups operating in the Middle East.
The United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019. Other governments, including those of the United Kingdom and European Union, have also adopted terrorist-related designations against the organisation.
Iran strongly rejects these classifications and considers them politically motivated.
Argentina's Navy and Air Force Become Part of the Dispute
Iran's latest announcement specifically identifies Argentina's Navy and Air Force.
Notably, the Iranian statement did not mention Argentina's Army.
The decision has raised questions about how Tehran intends to implement the designation and whether it will lead to additional diplomatic measures.
Iran's Foreign Ministry did not provide detailed information about the practical consequences of its announcement.
It also remains important to distinguish Iran's domestic designation from an internationally recognised legal classification. The announcement does not automatically change the legal status of Argentina's military branches under international law.
Growing Tensions Between Iran and Western Allies
The dispute between Iran and Argentina is unfolding against a wider background of international tensions involving Tehran and countries aligned with Washington.
US President Donald Trump's administration has encouraged international partners to take stronger action against organisations it considers threats to international security.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has maintained a close political relationship with Washington and Israel, making his government's foreign policy particularly relevant to the disagreement.
Iran, meanwhile, has repeatedly criticised countries that support American sanctions and security measures against its military institutions.
The latest development also follows Iran's announcement earlier in November that it had designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations and classified the British Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, as a hostile entity.
These developments demonstrate the widening diplomatic disagreements between Tehran and several Western-aligned governments.
What Could Happen Next?
The latest Iranian designation raises questions about the future of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Buenos Aires.
Possible consequences could include further diplomatic exchanges, official protests and additional political statements from both governments.
However, Iran has not provided specific details about the consequences it intends to pursue.
International observers will be watching for Argentina's official response and whether the government of President Javier Milei will introduce additional measures against Iran.
The disagreement could also become part of broader discussions involving international security, counterterrorism policies and diplomatic relations between countries with opposing geopolitical interests.
For now, both governments remain at the centre of a growing international dispute.
Conclusion
Iran's decision to designate Argentina's Navy and Air Force as terrorist organisations marks another significant development in the diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The announcement follows Argentina's earlier designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, creating a reciprocal diplomatic dispute involving their respective military institutions.
While Tehran has warned Argentina about possible consequences, the practical implications of the decision remain unclear.
As international attention turns towards the responses of both governments, the situation highlights the growing influence of geopolitical disagreements on international diplomacy and security relations.
The coming days could provide further clarity on whether the dispute remains limited to diplomatic statements or develops into additional measures between the two countries.
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