Argentina Charges Seven Iranians and a Lebanese Man in 1994 Bombing

Argentine judge formally charged seven Iranians and one Lebanese man over their suspected involvement in the 1994 bombing targeting a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

The ruling paves the way for a possible trial in absentia in the attack that killed 85 people and injured 300 on July 18, 1994.

To date, investigations have not led to the arrest of any suspect in the bombing of the Argentine Jewish Association (AMIA) headquarters, one of the worst attacks in Argentina's history.

Judge Daniel Rafecas said: "The highest levels of the Iranian regime decided to carry out the attack in August 1993, and execution was entrusted to Hezbollah."

He noted that seven of the suspects held high-ranking positions in the Iranian state at the time of the attack, while the Lebanese suspect was a member of Hezbollah.

Proceedings were dropped against other suspects due to insufficient evidence.

Rafecas told AFP: "There are still procedures to be completed" before reaching the trial stage.