Trump may add Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to terror list
President Donald Trump is considering adding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard to the list of prohibited terrorist organizations as part of a wave of new executive orders, the Daily Mail reports.
The move against the Islamic republic’s most powerful security institution would deal a further blow to relations with Tehran.
Trump has also been warned it could have implications on the fight against ISIS, because Iran is one of the countries opposing the terror group.
But members of his administration have been pushing for him to increase sanctions against the state since his first day in the White House.
The US already has restrictions on individuals and organizations linked to the IRGC.
Iran was also one of the seven Muslim-majority countries part of his immigrant travel ban.
The White House is also considering placing the Muslim Brotherhood on the terror organization list, although this decision may be delayed.
Naming Iran’s single most powerful military and political institution as a terrorist group could inflame regional conflicts involving the country.
It would also complicate the US fight against ISIS in Iraq, where Shi’ite militias backed by Iran and advised by IRGC fighters are battling the Sunni jihadist group.
After tightening sanctions against Iran last week in response to a ballistic missile test, White House officials said the measures were an ‘initial’ step.
US Gulf allies have long favored a tougher US stance against Iran, whom they blame for regional interference.
