Iran has responded strongly to Argentina's recent actions seeking the arrest of Iran's Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi over his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center. The Iranian Foreign Ministry cautioned Argentina against making baseless accusations against citizens of other countries, following Argentina's demand for Pakistan to act on an Interpol red notice for Vahidi's arrest.
Vahidi, who is wanted by Interpol, abruptly cut short his official trip to Southeast Asia and returned to Tehran. This move comes amidst Argentina's intensified efforts to hold Iran accountable for the deadly 1994 attack that claimed 85 lives and injured over 300 individuals.
Argentina's recent actions align with President Javier Milei's shift towards closer alignment with Israel, Iran's adversary. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged Argentina not to be swayed by parties hostile to their bilateral relations, likely referring to Israel.
Argentina's highest criminal court recently ruled that the Iranian government orchestrated the 1994 attack on the Jewish community center, as well as a 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. The court implicated three former Iranian officials, including Minister Vahidi, and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in executing the attacks.
Despite Iran's repeated denials of involvement in the bombings, Argentina continues to press for justice through Interpol red notices. The Argentine government coordinated with diplomats in Pakistan and India to request Vahidi's detention and extradition to Buenos Aires, citing the need to hold accountable those in positions of power with impunity.
Iran has accused Argentina of making illegal and false requests to tarnish Iran's reputation. The ongoing saga reflects Argentina's persistent pursuit of justice in the face of alleged government cover-ups and challenges in securing arrests of accused Iranian officials.
