Iran in Latin America: No More than a Nearby Nuisance, for now

By Negar Mortazavi and Caroline Tarpey, NIAC Washington, DC — Latin American countries are sidling up to a new ally, and they're finding one—in Iran. Last week, panelists in the conference "Iran in Latin America: Threat or Axis of Annoyance?" at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars considered whether these relationships are trivial partnerships of convenience or budding bosom friendships that could threaten U.S. interests. The panelists pointed out that the rapprochement between Iran and Latin America did not originate under current Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. However, due to his "aggressive" foreign policy, which aims to defy attempts by the US and its allies to isolate Iran, Tehran now solicits Latin American support much more intently than before. Panelists concurred that Venezuela is the vital... [read full story]