H.R. 4531 / S. 4665, the BANNED in Latin America Act

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Bottom Line Up Front

H.R. 4531 / S. 4665, the Barring Adversarial Networks and Notorious Extremist Destabilizers (BANNED) in Latin America Act, would require the formation of a comprehensive strategy to counter the influence of Iran and Hezbollah in Latin America. The strategy would include plans to address the proliferation of Iranian cultural centers, restrict the travel of Iranian officials in the region, and coordinate U.S. efforts with Latin American partners to disrupt Tehran’s propaganda, recruitment, and financial networks operating in the Western Hemisphere.

Read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors for the House and Senate versions.

Why It Matters

• Iran’s influence operations extend deep into the Western Hemisphere, and Hezbollah maintains active operational and financial networks across Latin America. Left unaddressed, these networks provide Tehran with a foothold near U.S. borders for propaganda, recruitment, and potentially more dangerous activities. This bill requires a formal U.S. strategy to counter that threat before it grows.
• Iranian cultural centers and state-aligned media outlets have become key tools for spreading anti-American propaganda and building Tehran’s soft power in the region. By targeting this infrastructure directly, the BANNED in Latin America Act disrupts Iran’s ability to radicalize populations and cultivate influence among governments in the hemisphere.
• The legislation strengthens U.S. partnerships with Latin American allies by deepening coordination on intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and financial oversight. A coordinated regional approach is essential to effectively countering a threat that does not respect national borders and that Tehran has deliberately spread across multiple countries.