Medellín, Colombia – Almost a week after the United States and Israel began coordinated joint attacks on Iran, triggering a regional conflict in the Middle East, many nations around the world have called for peace and diplomacy.
In Latin America, traditionally a neutral party to international conflicts like these, almost every country has either remained quiet or openly condemned the attack on Iran.
But one nation in the region stands out as an exception, throwing its support behind the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks: Argentina.
On Saturday, the Argentinian government released a statement saying: “The Office of the President celebrates the joint operation carried out by the United States and Israel today that resulted in the elimination of Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and one of the most evil, violent, and cruel individuals in the history of mankind.”
The statement makes Argentina one of the few countries in the world, along with Canada, that has openly supported the attacks against Iran.
It also sets it apart from the rest of Latin America: the Venezuelan government lamented that the U.S. and Israel “opted for the military route”; Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, claimed Washington had “made a mistake”; meanwhile, Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has pleaded with the United States to abstain from using force and called for a diplomatic solution.
An unwavering alliance with Trump
Since assuming office in 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei, a political outsider and self-proclaimed “libertarian liberal”, has become well-known for his unconventional style. He has often been compared to U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he has forged a close relationship over the past year.
Unlike the previous administration led by Peronist Alberto Fernández, who moved closer to China and Russia, Milei’s first two years in office were characterized by a deep rapprochement with the United States in international policy – particularly after Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections.
Milei’s Argentina has purchased F-16 jets and other military supplies from the U.S., recently signed a USD$130 billion minerals deal, and aligned much of its economic policy with the U.S.
Milei’s support for the White House has been reciprocal, with Trump agreeing to a USD$20 billion loan to sustain Argentina’s economy last September.
While Buenos Aires’ support for U.S. action in Iran may be seen as unsurprising given their intimate alliance, it appears particularly striking considering the contrasting position of other Latin American leaders. Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador and a close Trump ally, has remained quiet about the war in the Middle East.
Similarly, hard-right Ecuadorian leader Daniel Noboa has expressed concern over the conflict and condemned Iranian retaliation, but stopped short of endorsing U.S.-Israeli attacks. while Honduran Nasry Asfura, backed by Trump in last year’s elections, reaffirmed his commitment towards peace.
Milei’s Next Move
Moving forward, the Argentinian government has decided to increase national security guardrails protecting “all sensitive targets in the country, as well as critical infrastructure and the Jewish community.” Argentina has the largest Jewish population in Latin America and is especially sensitive to the risk of terrorist attacks after the Iran-linked 1994 bombing of a Jewish center killed 85 people.
The government also aims to increase intelligence monitoring, limiting migration and communication between Argentina and countries they consider a threat, such as Iran, and coordinating with international agencies to detect future threats.
Milei’s government also claims to have established stricter border control protocols, monitoring cross-border movements and reviewing early warnings in sensitive areas, with the involvement of the Intelligence Secretariat, the Ministry of Security, and the federal security forces.
Simultaneously, Argentina’s foreign ministry advised citizens in the Middle East to take extreme precautions. The Argentine Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised citizens to increase their personal security measures, whilst diplomatic personnel in Iran were relocated to Azerbaijan. In Israel, the Argentine consulate requested that people follow the instructions of the Israeli Home Front Command and identify nearby shelters in case of possible attacks.
President Javier Milei. Image Credit: Javier Milei on Instagram.
