US considers designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard terrorist group

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – Amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, President Donald Trump’s administration is weighing a proposal to designate Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group, Reuters reported.

The IRGC is one of the most powerful entities in Iran which has widespread influence in the country’s politics and economy.

Although Iran denies the allegations, the IRGC is accused of having engaged in regional affairs and committed acts of terrorism.

Naming IRGC a terrorist group would have potentially destabilizing effects in the region as well as in Iran.

Last week, the new Trump administration tightened sanctions on Tehran after the latter tested ballistic missiles.

After the sanctions, the White House announced they were only “initial” steps.

Speaking to a group of Iranian Air Force commanders on Tuesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mocked the new US administration under President Trump.

“We are thankful to this new guy who showed the true face of America, what we have been trying to do for over 30 years,” he said

On Friday, the Trump administration imposed new sanctions over Iran’s missile test.

On Saturday, US Defense Secretary James Mattis called Iran “the single biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.”

Trump, who had described Iran’s nuclear deal with the 5+1 world powers as “really, really bad,” also tweeted “Iran has been formally PUT ON NOTICE.”

He added the Tehran government should have been “thankful” for the “terrible deal” brokered by the Obama administration.

Moreover, Trump has not ruled out the possibility of military action against Iran.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany