WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a “foreign terrorist organization” as part of an effort to increase international pressure on the country.
It’s the first time the United States has used the designation for an entire foreign government entity.
In a statement Monday, Trump said the move “recognizes the reality” that Iran is a state-sponsored supporter of terrorism and that the IRG is an active participant.
“The IRGC masquerades as a legitimate military organization but none of us should be fooled. It regularly violates the laws of armed conflict. It plans, organizes and executes terror campaigns all around the world,” said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The designation imposes sanctions that include freezes on assets the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may have in U.S and a ban on Americans doing business with it.
Some analysts have said the move may have widespread implications for American personnel and policy in the region.
In a retaliatory move, Iran’s foreign minister wants to include Middle East-based U.S. military forces on the country’s “terrorist groups” list.
According to an Iranian news agency, Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif made the request in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani.
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