JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said here Tuesday that Iran has been expanding its ideological, political and economic activity in South America.

    Livni made the accusation during a meeting with her El Salvadoran counterpart Marisol Argueta de Barillas, according to a statement of her office.

    Livni said in the statement that "Iran is searching for openings and countries it can penetrate to compensate for the vulnerability caused by the sanctions."

    "We witness the disturbing phenomenon of Iranian infiltration into South America" where "has become a convenient base for spreading Iranian political and economic ideology," she added.

    Livni called on the international community to "witness this situation and cooperate in a concerted effort to diminish Iran's international activities."

    Iran has opened embassies in Nicaragua, Ecuador and Chile and enlarged its missions in Venezuela, Uruguay, Mexico and Colombia, while increasing high-level visits to the South American countries and promoting commercial ties.

    Israel has accused Iran of endangering world peace by accelerating nuclear program, which Tehran adamantly insists is peaceful.