OPINION: Latin America’s Prominent Role in Rising Global Tensions

Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, whose death has caused tensions in Latin American relations with the US and Iran. (Wikipedia)

Since the attack that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani in January, tensions have heightened drastically between the United States and Iran, with many countries in the difficult position of aligning themselves with or against the U.S. Latin America has been historically considered an asset to U.S. interests. However, as the power landscape shifts in the world, the countries of Latin America will face significant consequences as the probability of conflict rises.

According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. action against Iran has been rebuked by Cuba, significant members of the Venezuelan and Colombian governments, and “Iranian proxy networks in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, and Mexico.” Iran has made great inroads in these countries as part of efforts to undermine U.S. influence. As long as Iran’s actions in the Western Hemisphere are meticulously monitored, it will be interesting to see whether stricter U.S. policy toward Tehran will cause Latin American governments to suffer.

The Islamic Republic Guard Corps currently has a presence in Venezuela, International Policy Digest reports. This alliance between Iran and Venezuela is troubling for the United States, as it provides Iran with the perfect platform to stage an attack close to Washington, D.C. The 1992 and 1994 Hezbollah attacks in Buenos Aires and at the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Society (AMIA) building provide a historical precedent for such an attack. The Buenos Aires attacks resulted in the deaths of hundreds and had a lasting impact in Argentina and surrounding countries.

As fears and rumors spread about the outbreak of World War III, it is important to remember the effects of this global phenomenon on peripheral players. Latin America has a prominent place in the U.S.-Iran story, so as the events between the two countries progress throughout 2020, it is crucial to not overlook the role of this region.