Argentina High Court Rules Iran Responsible for 1994 Jewish Center Bombing
In a landmark decision, a high court in Argentina ruled on Thursday that Iran was the mastermind behind the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people. This ruling potentially opens the door for relatives of the victims to seek justice and make claims against Iran in international tribunals.
Argentine investigators have long suspected Iranian operatives and high-ranking officials of playing key roles in the attack, but this recent ruling goes a step further by holding the Iranian state itself responsible. The court characterized Iran as a terrorist state, especially significant at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.
According to the court’s ruling, the 1994 attack was organized, planned, financed, and executed under the direction of Iranian authorities within the framework of Islamic Jihad. The attack itself was carried out by Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group with ties to Iran.
The judges also attributed blame to Iran for the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, which killed 22 people. The attacks were reportedly in retaliation for Argentina canceling contracts to provide nuclear material to Iran.
Iran has consistently denied any involvement in the bombings, but the court’s decision reaffirms the long-held belief of the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Association and other Jewish organizations in Argentina that Iran was responsible for the attacks.
The ruling now allows relatives of the victims to pursue claims against Iran in international tribunals, though the specific legal avenues are still being considered. This decision marks a significant development in an investigation that has been marred by accusations of cover-ups and controversy.
The current government of President Javier Milei, a strong ally of Israel, welcomed the ruling as a step towards justice after years of delays and alleged cover-ups. The ruling is a crucial step towards holding accountable those responsible for the tragic bombing that shook Argentina and the global Jewish community in 1994.
