Argentina evaluates suing Iran at the International Court of Justice over AMIA attack

The Argentine government is evaluating a formal legal claim against the Islamic Republic of Iran before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. This strategic shift aims to hold Tehran institutionally responsible for the 1994 terrorist attack on the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and injured hundreds.

Technical teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice are currently refining the legal foundations for the potential claim. The initiative follows recent domestic judicial developments, including a ruling by Judge Daniel Rafecas that indicted eight Iranian and Lebanese citizens for their roles in the attack, classifying the event as a crime against humanity. The indicted individuals include former high-ranking officials such as former Intelligence Minister Ali Fallahijan and former Foreign Minister Ali Velayati.

By taking the case to the United Nations' highest judicial organ, Argentina seeks to exert global diplomatic and legal pressure on Iran. This move follows decades of unsuccessful attempts to extradite suspects who remain under Interpol red notices. The final decision regarding the presentation to the ICJ awaits presidential confirmation.