US President Donald Trump has formally designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Washington has declared Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) of Iran as its “primary means” of “implementing its global terrorist campaign.”
“This unprecedented step, led by the Department of State, recognizes the reality that Iran is not only a State Sponsor of Terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances, and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft,” a statement from President Trump released on Monday said.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the “designation is a direct response to an outlaw regime and should surprise no one” and the designation recognizes a “basic reality” with the Revolutionary Guard’s ties to terror plots.
“The IRGC masquerades as a legitimate military organization, but none of us should be fooled,” Pompeo added.
Last week, responding to rumors that such a move by the US was imminent, Tehran responded by vowing to place the entire U.S. Army on a “terror list” in retaliation. Iran’s Foreign Ministry also said the US was engaged in “economic terrorism” by blocking humanitarian aid to flood victims.
