The Argentine government concerned over Brazilian President Lula da Silva's ties with Iran.

The Argentine government is expressing concern over Brazilian President Lula da Silva's increasing ties with Iran. This worry stems from the recent meeting between Brazilian officials and Iranian representatives in Russia, which has prompted speculation about potential cooperation between the two nations. Argentina's security agencies, particularly those with connections to Western nations, are concerned about Iran's influence in the region, as they view the country as a threat due to its alleged ties to Hezbollah and other militant groups.

September 11, 2024

Celso Amorim, advisor to Brazilian President Lula da Silva, meets with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in St. Petersburg, Russia.
September 16, 2024

Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli celebrates Brazil's National Day at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, emphasizing friendship and cooperation between Brazil and Argentina.
Week of September 17, 2024

Javier Milei's scheduled speech at the United Nations General Assembly is changed to avoid coinciding with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's address.
False bomb threats are received at Argentinian embassies abroad, attributed to heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict.
Ongoing:

Argentina is developing an evacuation plan for its embassies in Lebanon, Israel, Iran, and Syria due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Security is heightened for Javier Milei and Jewish institutions in Argentina due to the situation in the Middle East.
Brazil and Iran are engaging in ongoing discussions to strengthen bilateral relations, causing concern for Argentina.
Argentina continues to seek justice in the 1994 AMIA bombing, accusing Iran-backed Hezbollah and Iranian officials.
Cast of Characters:
Celso Amorim:

Advisor to Brazilian President Lula da Silva.
Considered more radical and left-leaning than in his previous roles as Foreign Minister and Defense Minister.
Met with Iranian officials in St. Petersburg, raising concerns about Brazil's growing relationship with Iran.
Ali Akbar Ahmadian:

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Met with Celso Amorim to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between Iran and Brazil.
Luis Inacio Lula da Silva (Lula):

President of Brazil.
His government's pursuit of closer ties with Iran, spearheaded by Amorim, has sparked concern in Argentina.
Has a strained relationship with Javier Milei.
Javier Milei:

President of Argentina.
Openly supports the United States and Israel, a stance that sets him apart from other regional leaders.
Concerned about Brazil's growing relationship with Iran and its potential impact on regional security.
Requested a change in his UN speech schedule to avoid any interaction with Iranian President Pezeshkian.
Patricia Bullrich:

Argentinian Minister of Security.
Has repeatedly denounced Hezbollah's presence in the region and is working to neutralize any potential threat from the group.
Advised heightened security measures for Jewish institutions and Milei.
Julio Bitelli:

Brazilian ambassador to Argentina.
Publicly emphasized the strong relationship between Brazil and Argentina during his National Day speech.
Masoud Pezeshkian:

President of Iran.
His scheduled speech at the UN General Assembly prompted Milei to request a change in his own speaking time.
Emanuel Ottolenghi:

Expert on Terrorism and Hezbollah.
Expressed concern about growing cooperation between authoritarian regimes, including Iran's increasing influence in Latin America.
Other Key Players:

Itamaraty: The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attempting to balance Lula's pro-Iran stance with traditional alliances.
Hezbollah: Iranian-backed Shia militia group, labeled as a terrorist organization by many Western countries. Accused of carrying out the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina.
Hamas: Palestinian militant group currently engaged in conflict with Israel.
This timeline and cast of characters provide a concise overview of the events and key figures described in the provided source.

https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2023/11/07/an-iranian-bear-in-brazils-backyard-how-iran-is-wooing-south-america.html