Argentina Calls for Inclusion of AMIA Bombing Case in Iran Nuclear Negotiations

The Argentine government has sent a letter to the United States requesting that the AMIA bombing case be included in discussions during the nuclear negotiations with Iran. According to a report on February 17 by Reuters, Hector Timerman, Argentina's Foreign Minister, stated, "We had previously requested this from the U.S., but in a letter to John Kerry, we asked him to include the AMIA case in the discussions." The bombing of the Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires, known as AMIA, resulted in the deaths of 85 people. Several judicial sources investigating this case in Argentina have accused the Iranian government of being involved in the bombing. Alberto Nisman, the former prosecutor of Argentina, died a few days after accusing the country's president of "covering up the AMIA case to improve relations with Iran." The issue of Mr. Nisman’s death has intensified the political atmosphere in Argentina, which is approaching elections. Argentina's request to the U.S. comes as negotiations between the so-called P5+1 countries and Iran are ongoing. Over a long investigation lasting nearly 20 years, Argentina has officially accused Iran of involvement in this bombing three times, but Iran has always denied the allegations. Several colleagues and associates of Alberto Nisman announced that on February 18, they will hold a silent march in Buenos Aires in front of the prosecutor's office. Government officials have described this demonstration as "a protest operation to oust Ms. Fernandez from power." In this context, Argentine prosecutors have stated that Kirchner covered up Iran's role in the AMIA bombing. The President of Argentina has claimed that Nisman did not commit suicide. A journalist who exposed the murder of the judge in the AMIA case has fled Argentina. Argentine prosecutors have stated that Judge Nisman had prepared an arrest warrant for Kirchner. Kirchner has officially been accused of covering up Iran's role in the AMIA bombing.