Argentina seeks to arrest Khamenei over 1994 AMIA bombing charges

In Argentina, significant legal developments related to the 1994 AMIA bombing have emerged as the lead prosecutor, Sebastián Basso, has recently taken steps to hold Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accountable for his alleged role in the tragic event. The bombing, which occurred in July 1994, was the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina's history, resulting in the deaths of 85 individuals and injuries to over 300. This attack targeted the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) Jewish community center located in Buenos Aires. After years of evasive political maneuvers, the prosecutor has petitioned the federal court for national and international arrest warrants for Khamenei, marking a decisive shift in approach toward the case. Basso succeeded the late prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who had previously implicated Iran and Hezbollah in planning and executing the attack. Under Basso's direction, the argument is now being put forward that Khamenei has held continuous oversight and direct involvement in Iranian state matters, advocating for military support to groups like Hezbollah. This stance supports the claim that Khamenei was instrumental in the attack's orchestration based on orders he issued to carry it out. The Argentine government has historically treated Khamenei as though he enjoyed diplomatic immunity, which has hindered previous efforts for justice. However, Basso contends that the current legal actions align with international law, particularly concerning terrorism and crimes against humanity. Furthermore, he is urging the Argentine federal security forces to arrest Khamenei if he sets foot in the country. This shift in legal framework and enforcement reflects an evolving perspective on accountability concerning international terrorism on Argentine soil. A key aspect of this situation is a long-standing controversial memorandum of understanding between the Argentine government, led by then-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and Iranian authorities. Dating back to 2013, this agreement ostensibly sought collaboration on the AMIA bombing investigation but has been criticized as a cover-up attempt in exchange for Iranian oil. In April 2024, a judicial ruling from Argentina’s second-highest court affirmed that the AMIA bombing had been orchestrated by Iranian authorities and executed by Hezbollah terrorists. This decision reflects a growing recognition within the legal system of Iran's direct role in the attack, as well as a continuation of strained diplomatic relations between Argentina and Iran, especially in the wake of Argentina's increasing support for Israel under President Javier Milei. Basso’s move against Khamenei is a significant turn in a decade-long quest for justice following the AMIA attack, as Argentina seeks to alter its path towards holding foreign actors accountable for terrorist activities on its territory. The implications of Khamenei's involvement in this investigation could reshape both Argentina's foreign policy and legal precedents set in dealing with terrorism emanating from state actors.