Story perspectives

US Pressures Bolivia to Expel Iranian Spies, Label Terrorists

1/25/2026

Center

U.S. Urges Bolivia

The United States is urging Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies and label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist organizations.
This diplomatic effort supports a broader U.S. strategy to counter Iranian influence in Latin America, especially after the election of centrist President Rodrigo Paz.
President Paz's administration aims to strengthen ties with Washington amid economic difficulties.
U.S. officials have also considered similar designations in Chile, Peru, and Panama.
Hezbollah has a notable presence in Latin America, engaging in illicit activities, though the scale of its operations is debated among intelligence experts.

Right

U.S. Pressures Iraq

The United States pressures Iraq to exclude Iran-backed politicians from the new government and may suspend dollar transfers for 58 members.
The pressure follows the election of a Shi'ite bloc led by Nouri al-Maliki, known for sectarian violence.
The United States aims to curb Iranian influence in Iraq while managing armed groups.
Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council will prosecute Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria, raising family concerns about their fate.

History

Historical Context

Since 2006, U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence intensified, particularly after Iran's nuclear program revelations. The U.S. designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization in 2019, impacting its operations globally. This historical context parallels current U.S. actions urging Bolivia to expel Iranian spies, reflecting ongoing strategies to reshape political alliances in Latin America and the Middle East amid rising sectarian tensions.

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U.S. Urges Bolivia

The United States is urging Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies and label Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Hezbollah, and Hamas as terrorist organizations.
This diplomatic effort supports a broader U.S. strategy to counter Iranian influence in Latin America, especially after the election of centrist President Rodrigo Paz.
President Paz's administration aims to strengthen ties with Washington amid economic difficulties.
U.S. officials have also considered similar designations in Chile, Peru, and Panama.
Hezbollah has a notable presence in Latin America, engaging in illicit activities, though the scale of its operations is debated among intelligence experts.

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