By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Milei has declared Iran an enemy of Argentina, citing the 1992 and 1994 Buenos Aires bombings, and unconditionally supports Israel in its conflict with Iran. He accused former president Fernández de Kirchner of potential treason regarding a 2013 memorandum with Iran and added Hezbollah and Hamas to Argentina’s list of terrorist organizations. Milei’s strong pro-Israel stance includes recent meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, a speech before the Knesset, and plans to move Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem. This shift in Argentina’s foreign policy prioritizes a strengthened relationship with the United States and Israel.
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President Milei’s declaration that Iran is an enemy of Argentina stems directly from the devastating terrorist attacks that struck Buenos Aires in the 1990s. The bombings of the Israeli Embassy in 1992 and the AMIA Jewish community center in 1994, resulting in over 100 deaths, are squarely attributed by the President to Iran. This assertion forms the cornerstone of his starkly anti-Iranian stance.
This strong condemnation is not merely a retrospective assessment; it significantly influences Argentina’s current foreign policy under Milei’s leadership. He has openly shifted the nation’s diplomatic focus towards closer ties with the United States and Israel, a shift clearly demonstrated by his recent high-profile visit to Israel and his outspoken support for the country in its conflict with Iran.
Milei’s trip to Israel included meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, a speech before the Knesset, and the signing of several agreements focusing on security and counterterrorism cooperation. This alignment with Israel is further underscored by his vocal condemnation of Iran’s missile attacks and his assertion that Israel is “saving Western civilization” from the perceived threat posed by Iran.
The President’s unwavering stance extends beyond the immediate context of the Israeli-Iranian conflict. He has also formally designated Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations, highlighting his firm commitment to combating what he sees as Iranian-sponsored terrorism. This decisive action reinforces his conviction that Iran’s actions pose a direct and continuing threat to Argentina’s national security.
Furthermore, Milei has directly implicated former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in a potential act of treason, referencing a memorandum of understanding signed between her administration and Iran concerning the bombings. This accusation adds another layer to his already critical view of Iran, emphasizing the ongoing political ramifications of the past.
Milei’s uncompromising position on Iran stands in sharp contrast to potential alternative perspectives. While some might argue that the evidence linking Iran to the bombings remains circumstantial, or that focusing on Iran ignores other geopolitical complexities, Milei’s perspective prioritizes the victims of the attacks and the perceived threat Iran represents to Argentina’s future. His actions reveal a clear prioritization of aligning Argentina with its allies against what he perceives to be a persistent enemy.
The President’s strong stance underscores a fundamental shift in Argentina’s foreign policy orientation, prioritizing an alliance with Israel and the United States while firmly condemning Iran’s alleged actions. The depth of his commitment is clear from his public statements, his official actions, and his high-level engagement with Israeli leadership. This alignment suggests a calculated strategy designed to solidify Argentina’s position within a particular geopolitical bloc, one in which Iran is explicitly identified as an antagonist.
The enduring impact of the 1990s bombings on Argentine society, combined with Milei’s firm belief in the Iranian government’s culpability, fuels his resolute stance. This stance is further reinforced by his strong alliance with Israel, demonstrating a clear prioritization of security and strategic alignment over other geopolitical considerations. His actions paint a picture of a determined leader committed to reshaping Argentina’s foreign policy to reflect his strongly held convictions.
In essence, President Milei’s “Iran is an enemy of Argentina” declaration represents more than a simple statement of fact; it signifies a broader realignment of Argentina’s international relations, built on a foundation of past grievances and a firm commitment to a specific geopolitical strategy. This decisive stance will undoubtedly shape Argentina’s foreign policy trajectory for years to come.