Iran refuses Argentina’s plea to apprehend minister linked to 1994 bombing | Global Updates

Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi is at the center of a diplomatic storm as Argentina seeks his arrest for his alleged involvement in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. The tension between the two countries escalated after Argentina demanded that Pakistan act on an Interpol red notice to arrest Vahidi during his official visit to Islamabad.

Vahidi, who is wanted by Interpol, abruptly cut short his trip to Southeast Asia and returned to Tehran, sparking speculation about the impact of Argentina’s request on his international travel. This move comes as Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei aligns the country’s foreign policy more closely with Israel, Iran’s bitter enemy.

In response to Argentina’s actions, Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned against baseless accusations and urged Argentina not to be influenced by those who are enemies of their bilateral relations. Iran has repeatedly denied any connection to the 1994 bombing that killed 85 people and wounded over 300 others.

Argentina’s highest criminal court recently ruled that the Iranian government had plotted the 1994 attack, as well as a 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires. The court accused three former Iranian officials, including Minister Vahidi, of involvement in the Jewish community center attack.

Despite Argentina’s efforts to hold Iran accountable, the country has faced challenges in leveraging Interpol red notices to press for the arrests of accused Iranian officials. The quest for justice in the 1992 and 1994 bombings has been marred by controversy and alleged government cover-ups.