Islamic Republic Condemns Arrest of Former Ambassador in Argentina

The Islamic Republic has condemned the arrest of its former ambassador in Argentina, calling it an illegal act. Hadi Soleimanpour is set to appear in a London court where judges will consider his extradition to Argentina in connection with the bombing of a Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires in 1994. British police arrested Mr. Soleimanpour on Thursday based on an international warrant in Durham, northern England, where he was studying at a local university. In Tehran, Hamid Reza Asefi, spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry, described the former ambassador's arrest as a political act influenced by Israel. Earlier this month, an Argentine judge issued international arrest warrants for Soleimanpour and seven other Islamic Republic diplomats, all of whom were present during the explosion in Argentina. The warrant accuses Soleimanpour of conspiring with others to kill individuals at the Israeli-Argentine Association on July 18, 1994, or prior to that date. The bombing resulted in 85 deaths and 200 injuries. The former ambassador appeared in a London court on Thursday, and the examination of the extradition request from Argentina regarding the bombing began. Hadi Soleimanpour confirmed his name and age, after which the judges temporarily adjourned the session to allow him time to consult with his lawyers. The London court ordered that the former ambassador be held in custody for one week until the extradition hearing regarding Argentina's request is clarified. Israel and the United States have long suspected that Hezbollah, which the Islamic Republic supports, was involved in the bombing. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denied any involvement.