Iran Designates Argentine Navy and Air Force as Terrorist Organisations

On 11 November 2026, Iran’s Foreign Ministry designated the Argentine Navy and Argentine Air Force as terrorist organisations, describing the move as reciprocal.

Reciprocal designations

Argentina designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation in April 2026 under President Javier Milei. Buenos Aires linked the decision to the IRGC’s alleged support for Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which Argentina blames for the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people, and the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy.

Iran cited a 2019 law permitting reciprocal action against countries that designate Iranian military forces as terrorist organisations or support the United States in doing so. Its Foreign Ministry said the Argentine government would bear responsibility for all consequences. Argentina’s designation permits financial sanctions and operational restrictions against the IRGC in the country.

Earlier in November 2026, Iran designated Britain’s MI6 a hostile group and its Royal Navy and Royal Air Force terrorist organisations, after the United Kingdom designated the IRGC in July 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• Navy commands: The Argentine Navy is organised around four principal commands: High Seas Fleet, Submarine Force, Naval Aviation and Naval Infantry.
• Joint maritime command: A Joint Maritime Command operates under the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with responsibility for defending Argentina’s maritime sovereignty.
• Constitutional status of the IRGC: Iran’s Constitution expressly provides for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Article 150, assigning it a role in safeguarding the Revolution and its achievements.
• IRGC external operations branch: The IRGC’s Quds Force is the Corps’ principal external-operations branch and is institutionally distinct from Iran’s regular armed forces.