AMIA Bombing: Did Iran Help Hezbollah Slaughter 85 Jews in Argentina?

Impact

Argentina's state prosecutor is leading a heavy investigation into Iran's involvement in the creation of a terrorist intelligence network that spans across eight different South American countries. Alberto Nisman, who is investigating the 1994 bombing of a Buenos Aires Jewish community center that killed 85, believes that the attack was orchestrated and financed by the Iranian government and executed by the terrorist group Hezbollah. Nisman also claims that the Islamic Republic of Iran infiltrated South America in the hopes of executing further terrorist attacks.

Alberto Nisman is leading his accusation against Mohsen Rabbani, Iran's former cultural attache, stating that Rabbani has spent the past two decades building up an intelligence network in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Nisman stated that Iran set up the sleeper cells in the hope of "exporting the revolution." Nisman has presented a 500-page indictment to Judge Rodolfo Canicoba Corral as well as the governments of each country involved. When presenting the indictment Nisman stated that, "These are sleeper cells. They have activities you wouldn't imagine. Sometimes they die having never received the order to attack."

The government of Iran has denied any and all involvement in the conspiracy, but has agreed to establish a "Truth Commission" in Tehran so as to aid in Nisman's investigation. This action has been heavily criticized by Argentine Jews, who fear that it could impede the quest for justice. The creation of the commission is seen as a diplomatic victory for Tehran as they face increased distrust from Western nations due to their growing nuclear program.

This news could not have come at a worse time for Tehran as they seek to gain a place at the Syrian peace table and prepare for their upcoming presidential election. In addition to this, such involvement could bring with it harsher international sanctions. Iran will once again be in the spotlight and time will tell if the international community will take action against them once again.