Iran condemns Argentina's move to label Quds Force terrorist group

TEHRAN, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday strongly condemned Argentina's decision to designate the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to bilateral relations.

In a statement, the ministry accused Buenos Aires of making "false accusations" against a key branch of the IRGC and said the move threatened Iran's security and national interests. It described the decision as "unconventional and unlawful" and said it was influenced by Israel.

It warned that Argentina would bear responsibility for the legal and political consequences and said the action set a "dangerous precedent" in intergovernmental relations.

The ministry stressed that the IRGC is a sovereign institution established under the country's constitution, responsible for defending Iran's independence, territorial integrity, and security.

On Saturday, Argentine President Javier Milei formally designated the IRGC's Quds Force as a terrorist organization. ■