Argentina has belatedly designated Hezbollah the Iranian backed Lebanese Islamist movement as a terrorist organisation, 25 years after the Amia Jewish cultural centre in Buenos Aires was bombed with the loss of 85 lives. They are the first Latin American Country to condemn Hezbollah as such and the move comes after much pressure from both the US and Israel. Although no one has ever claimed responsibility for the atrocity back in 1994 the finger has been pointed at Iran despite their vehement denials and the lack of any evidence. The move has led to the freezing of Hezbollah assets and will potentially give the US another ally in its attempt to build support for any forthcoming actions against Iran. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has attended the commemorative event and will also attend an anti Terrorist summit in the city.
Hezbollah flags
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Currently, only the US, UK Israel and a few Gulf States applied this designation and it will be interesting to see if Brazil and Paraguay who are named in Argentinas decision decide to follow suit. Whatever this will further isolate Iran and with all the recent actions the chances of another Gulf War increases.
