U.S. Push for Bolivia to Expel Iranian Spies and Designate Terrorist Groups

The United States is actively urging Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies and to classify Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), along with the Lebanese group Hezbollah and the Palestinian organization Hamas, as terrorist organizations. This diplomatic initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to enhance its geopolitical influence in Latin America while reducing the presence of adversaries like Iran in the region. The push follows a recent U.S. operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has prompted Washington to encourage Bolivia to limit its economic and security ties with Tehran.

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Historically, Bolivia has maintained close ties with Iran, particularly under former President Evo Morales, who served from 2006 to 2019. Morales and his successor, Luis Arce, were perceived by U.S. officials as resistant to distancing Bolivia from Tehran. However, the election of centrist President Rodrigo Paz in October 2025 presents a new opportunity for U.S. engagement. Paz's administration, which is grappling with economic challenges, has expressed a desire to improve relations with Washington and attract private investment. U.S. officials have welcomed this shift, with the Millennium Challenge Corporation recently making grant funding available to Bolivia.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

The U.S. initiative in Bolivia is part of a larger campaign to counter Iranian influence across Latin America. In September 2025, Ecuador designated the IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, followed by Argentina's designation of Iran's Quds Force. U.S. officials are also exploring similar designations in Chile, Peru, and Panama, where Hezbollah operatives have been reported. The U.S. aims to leverage the political climates in these countries, which currently have U.S.-aligned leadership.

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Hezbollah and the IRGC have been active in Latin America for years, with Hezbollah reportedly involved in illicit smuggling networks and other criminal activities to fund its operations. Recent intelligence suggests that the IRGC was implicated in a foiled assassination plot against the Israeli ambassador to Mexico, highlighting the group's operational reach in the region. However, there is ongoing debate within the intelligence community regarding the extent of Hezbollah's presence and the nature of its activities in Latin America.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources SayUS presses Bolivia to expel suspected Iranian spies, harden approach to militant groupsUS threatens to starve Iraq of its oil dollars over Iranian influence, sources sayIraq says it will prosecute Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria

The Bolivian foreign ministry has stated that it has not yet defined its position on the U.S. requests. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation under President Paz's administration. The State Department has not publicly commented on the specifics of the diplomatic discussions.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

Critics of the U.S. approach argue that labeling organizations like Hezbollah and the IRGC as terrorist groups may complicate diplomatic relations and could lead to increased tensions in the region. Some analysts caution against viewing Latin America solely through the lens of U.S.-Iran rivalry, suggesting that local dynamics and historical contexts must also be considered.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

While U.S. officials assert that Hezbollah maintains a permanent presence in Latin America, there are conflicting views regarding the robustness of this presence. Some intelligence assessments suggest that Hezbollah's operations are less organized than previously thought, relying instead on informal networks and diaspora support.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

• “In practice, the pattern you see across Latin America is Iran and Hezbollah using the most permissive jurisdictions as hubs, then projecting quietly into more capable or higher-value states nearby.” — Rick de la Torre, retired CIA officer

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

• “there is still no completely defined position regarding this matter.” — Bolivian Foreign Ministry

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say

• “The U.S. has significant leverage,” — Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House

US threatens to starve Iraq of its oil dollars over Iranian influence, sources say

This evolving situation underscores the complexities of U.S.-Latin American relations and the ongoing geopolitical contest involving Iran's influence in the region.

Exclusive-US Presses Bolivia to Expel Suspected Iranian Spies, Harden Approach to Militant Groups, Sources Say