Representative Shreve Introduces Bill to Counter Iran's Regime of Terror

Washington, DC — Congressman Jefferson Shreve (R-IN) introduced legislation to thwart Iran’s and Hezbollah's violent influence in Latin America. The Barring Adversarial Networks and Notorious Extremist Destabilizers (BANNED) in Latin America Act was introduced alongside Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).

Mohsen Rabbani reached Latin America four decades ago to push the Islamic revolution's global agenda. He later played a role in the bombing of the Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires — claiming the lives of 85 and injuring 300. Iran's terrorist proxies continue to infiltrate Latin America. Iranian state media networks Press TV, HispanTV, and Hezbollah’s AL Mayadeen broadcast antisemitic conspiracy theories, they glorify Hezbollah and Hamas, and promote Holocaust denial. Their anti-American and antisemitic influence continues to grow in Latin America.

Mr. Shreve's bill seeks to counter these growing threats. His legislation directs the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to address Iran’s and Hezbollah's propaganda, missionary networks, and influence-peddling operations in Latin America. His bill provides a clearer pathway for addressing the terrorist regime head-on, and to counter their influence.

Congressman Shreve said, "As a member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve learned of the growing threat the Iranian regime poses in our own hemisphere. My BANNED in Latin America Act addresses these growing threats of terrorist operations in the Western Hemisphere."

Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said, “Just as we’ve seen Iran spread its terror campaign in the Middle East, we’re now seeing Iran and Hezbollah expand their proxy networks across Latin America — spreading antidemocratic propaganda, fueling violent extremism, and threatening the interests of America and our allies. As Iran works to turn Latin America into another front for its war on democracy, we must act now to counter its influence. This bipartisan legislation is about boosting our cooperation in the region to help put a stop to Iran and Hezbollah’s campaign of terror.”

Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action, said, “Over the past four decades, Iran and Hezbollah have spread anti-Israel and anti-American hatred in Latin America. Elements of this network are vast and varied, comprising mosques, cultural centers, educational institutions, media outlets, and publishing houses. Now more than ever, what is needed is a dedicated strategy to combat Iran and Hezbollah’s ability to conduct influence operations in the Western Hemisphere. FDD Action strongly supports the BANNED in Latin America Act, which signals congressional intent to stop the unchallenged operation of this network leveraged by these malign actors to carry out terror attacks, spread hateful ideology, and establish a foothold in America’s backyard."