Iran has designated Argentina’s navy and air force as terrorist organisations in a retaliatory move following Argentina’s decision to classify Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation in April 2026. The announcement was made by Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, November 11, and has added to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the decision was taken based on the principle of reciprocity. Tehran said Argentina had taken a hostile step by designating the IRGC, which Iran considers an official branch of its armed forces. Iran also warned that the Argentine government would be responsible for any consequences arising from the latest decision.
Iran cites principle of reciprocity
In its statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry referred to a law adopted in 2019 following the United States’ decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. The law, titled Countermeasure in Response to the United States’ Designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a Terrorist Organization, provides for reciprocal measures against countries that support or comply with the US designation.
Iran said Argentina’s decision brought the country within the scope of the legislation. On that basis, Tehran declared Argentina’s navy and air force to be terrorist organisations.
The Iranian statement warned that the Argentine government would bear responsibility for all consequences arising from the measure. However, the ministry did not provide details about what practical steps would follow from the designation or how it would be implemented.
The announcement specifically named Argentina’s navy and air force. It did not mention the country’s army.
Argentina’s earlier action against the IRGC
The latest move follows Argentina’s decision in April 2026 to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Buenos Aires said its action was connected to the IRGC’s alleged support for Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based armed group.
Argentina has long accused Iran and Hezbollah of involvement in two major attacks in Buenos Aires during the 1990s. One of the most serious incidents was the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association, commonly known as the AMIA Jewish community centre.
The bombing killed 85 people and injured hundreds, making it the deadliest attack in Argentina’s history. Argentine authorities have accused Iran and Hezbollah of involvement in the attack. Iran has denied responsibility for the bombings.
The dispute over the attacks has remained a major source of tension between Argentina and Iran. Argentina’s designation of the IRGC was presented by Buenos Aires as a measure linked to its concerns over the alleged role of the organisation in supporting Hezbollah.
What is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is an influential military organisation in Iran. It was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and plays a central role in protecting the country's political and security system.
The IRGC operates separately from Iran’s regular military and has significant responsibilities in the country’s defence and security structure. It also has influence in several areas of Iran’s economy.
Its overseas operations are associated with the Quds Force, which is responsible for activities beyond Iran's borders. The organisation and its activities have been the subject of international criticism and sanctions.
The United States designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2019. Iran strongly opposed that decision, arguing that the organisation is an official part of its armed forces. Tehran subsequently introduced legislation providing for reciprocal action against countries that supported the US designation.
Diplomatic tensions continue
Iran’s decision to designate Argentina’s navy and air force comes amid an already strained relationship between the two countries. The disagreement over the IRGC and the investigations into the 1990s bombings have remained central issues in their diplomatic relations.
The latest announcement also follows similar measures taken by Tehran against British military institutions earlier in November. Iran had designated the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations in response to British measures involving the IRGC.
The designation of Argentina’s military branches is therefore part of a wider pattern of reciprocal political and diplomatic measures by Iran in response to actions taken against the IRGC.
However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has not explained what specific consequences the latest designation could have for Argentina’s military personnel, institutions or bilateral relations. The practical impact of the decision remains unclear.
What happens next?
The announcement is likely to draw further attention to the diplomatic dispute between Tehran and Buenos Aires. Argentina’s earlier decision was based on its allegations concerning Iran’s links with Hezbollah and the 1994 AMIA bombing, while Iran has described the designation of the IRGC as an unfriendly action.
The latest move does not, by itself, provide details of any military action or additional restrictions. It is an official designation announced by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, and its practical implications have not yet been fully explained.
The development highlights how decisions involving national security organisations can lead to reciprocal diplomatic measures between countries. With Iran now naming Argentina’s navy and air force, the disagreement between the two governments has expanded beyond the original designation of the IRGC.
