On Wednesday, Iran criticized Argentina after the South American country sought the arrest of Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi for his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center. Without naming Vahidi, Iran warned Argentina against making baseless accusations against citizens of other countries. This came after Argentina demanded that Pakistan act on an Interpol red notice to arrest Vahidi during an official visit to Islamabad. Vahidi, who is wanted by Interpol, cut his government trip short and returned to Tehran. Argentina has been trying to hold Iran accountable for the attack that killed 85 people and wounded over 300 others.
Argentina’s efforts to condemn Iran for the 1994 bombing come as right-wing President Javier Milei aligns foreign policy more closely with Israel, Iran’s enemy. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani urged Argentina not to be influenced by enemies of their bilateral relations, possibly referring to Israel. The highest criminal court in Argentina ruled that the Iranian government plotted the 1994 attack and a 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, accusing three former Iranian officials, including Minister Vahidi, and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Despite Iran denying involvement in the attacks, Argentina has escalated efforts to hold them accountable.
Minister Vahidi accompanied Iranian President Raisi to Islamabad to discuss intelligence sharing before abruptly returning to Tehran amid Argentina’s request for his arrest. While Vahidi praised his trip to Pakistan in interviews with Iranian news outlets, President Raisi continued on to Sri Lanka. Argentine authorities coordinated with diplomats in Pakistan and India to request Vahidi’s detention and extradition to Buenos Aires, accusing Iran of holding positions of power with impunity. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused Argentina of making illegal and false requests to defame Iran, denouncing their efforts to lever Interpol red notices for justice.
For years, Argentina has struggled to pressure accused Iranian officials with Interpol red notices and seek justice for the 1992 and 1994 bombings, leading to alleged government cover-ups and controversies. Despite escalating tensions between Iran and Argentina, with accusations of Iran’s involvement in deadly attacks, no one has been convicted for planning or carrying out these bombings. Iran faces global isolation and sanctions, leading to increased efforts by Argentina to condemn Iran and its militant network. Vahidi’s unexpected return to Tehran and Argentine authorities’ coordination with diplomats in Pakistan and India reflect ongoing challenges in seeking justice for the deadly bombings.
