US designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as terrorist organization – Trump

Published time: 8 Apr, 2019 14:16Edited time: 8 Apr, 2019 15:02

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The US has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a “terrorist organization,” accusing the elite force of financing and promoting terrorism in the region. Tehran is now eyeing a mirror response for the American military.

A statement from Donald Trump released Monday claimed: “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.”

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The elite unit is the “primary means” for Tehran in orchestrating its “global terrorist campaign,” the US president claimed.

While the decision has been rumored for some time already, last week US media reports signaled the move was imminent. That information has caused an angry reaction in Tehran, with top Iranian officials vowing to put the whole US Army on a “terror list” in retaliation.

Speaking shortly after Trump’s announcement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held a press conference on the matter, explaining that the designation is set to take effect in one week.

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Pompeo accused the IRGC of “masquerading” as a legit military force, while “actively engaging” in terrorism for 40 years. The force “organizes and executes terror campaigns around the world” and is working to destabilize the Middle East region, namely Syria, Iraq, Yemen and other countries, according to Pompeo.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton took to Twitter to reiterate Trump’s statement, with a bit of a personal touch. Bolton explained that the new hostile move against Tehran was made in the name of Iran’s people who “suffer.”