Iran’s Foreign Ministry designated Argentina’s navy and air force as “terrorist organizations” on Wednesday citing the principle of reciprocity.
The move follows Argentina’s own decision to classify the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity earlier this year.
Tehran accused the Argentine government of taking a “hostile” step that violates fundamental principles of international law by targeting the IRGC, which it described as an official branch of Iran’s armed forces.
“Accordingly, Islamic Republic of Iran deems the Argentine Navy and the Argentine Air Force subject to the aforementioned law and its provisions, and designates them as terrorist organizations,” the ministry said.
The ministry further warned that the Argentine government would be held accountable for the fallout of this decision. “It is evident that the responsibility for all consequences arising from this matter will lie with the Argentine government,” the ministry added.
The designation comes more than seven months after the government of Argentine President Javier Milei officially labeled the IRGC a terrorist organization on March 31, 2026. Prior to that, in January 2026, the Argentine government had already designated the IRGC’s Quds Force and 13 individuals as terrorists. Buenos Aires took these actions following a push from the administration of then-U.S. President Donald Trump for allies to isolate the group.
In response to the initial March designation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused Argentina of acting under U.S. and Israeli influence. Two days after the March 31 classification, Argentina expelled Iran’s chargé d’affaires. Argentine courts have accused Ahmad Vahidi—whom Iran previously named to lead the Guard—of involvement in the AMIA attack, and an Interpol red notice has been issued for him.
On November 1, 2026, Iran designated the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as “terrorist organizations” and labeled the MI6 intelligence agency a “hostile group” after London moved against the IRGC. The 2019 legislation cited by the Iranian Foreign Ministry mandates reciprocal action against any country that aligns with U.S. policy regarding the IRGC.
In February 2026, Iran applied these same provisions to the naval and air forces of all European Union member states after the EU placed the IRGC on its own terror list. Iran also issued a similar designation against the Royal Canadian Navy in 2024.
The IRGC is an elite military force that protects the rule of the Shia Muslim clergy in Iran and controls large parts of the Iranian economy. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that because the country’s direct contacts with Argentina are minimal, the practical effect of the designation is likely limited.
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