Donald Trump Signed Legislation Paving the Way for Sanctions Against the Revolutionary Guard

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on Wednesday, August 2, signed a bill to intensify sanctions against Iran, Russia, and North Korea, paving the way for sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by the United States. According to the U.S. Congress resolution, the President must impose sanctions against the IRGC and foreign individuals who are officials, agents, or affiliates of the IRGC within 90 days of the law's enactment. With the implementation of this law, those involved in Iran's missile programs and anyone who trades with them will be subject to new sanctions. The sanctions also include a ban on arms trade with the IRGC. Previously, Iranian military officials had warned about the sanctions against the IRGC, with Mohammad Ali Jafari, the commander of the IRGC, stating that if the IRGC is sanctioned, the U.S. must withdraw its regional bases up to a thousand kilometers from Iran. This law names the Quds Force of the IRGC as the operational arm of the IRGC abroad, executing the Islamic Republic's policies in 'support of terrorist and paramilitary groups' and enabling them to carry out 'terrorist operations across the Middle East and South Asia' by providing military and economic resources. This force will also be subject to sanctions from the U.S. Treasury, which will freeze its assets and prohibit any transactions with it. The new sanctions law also requires Rex Tillerson, the U.S. Secretary of State, to compile a comprehensive list of human rights violators in Iran and those responsible for torture and unlawful executions in the country to facilitate their sanctioning. These individuals will also be banned from entering the U.S. Last week, the U.S. Congress passed the new sanctions resolution against Russia, Iran, and North Korea with a decisive majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which faced protests from Iran and a reciprocal action from Russia, prompting Moscow to request that Washington reduce the number of its embassy staff in Russia by 755. This resolution is a new version of a U.S. Senate bill passed in late June titled 'Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities.' However, the new resolution also targets North Korea and Russia. This law imposes new sanctions on companies involved in Russia's offshore oil extraction projects and its oil and gas pipeline facilities. At the same time, companies cooperating with Russian military and security entities will also be sanctioned. The aim of this is to punish Russia for its annexation of Crimea and its interference in the recent U.S. presidential elections. Donald Trump had previously emphasized his interest in improving relations between Washington and Moscow. Rex Tillerson also stated on Tuesday that he and Trump believe the new sanctions do not help their diplomatic efforts regarding Russia. However, there were clear signs that the U.S. President would sign the resolution, as the White House confirmed it on Friday. Trump described the signing of this resolution as an action 'for the unity of the American people.' He stated, 'I support tough actions to punish rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang and to prevent their unacceptable behaviors. I also support the notion that America will not tolerate interference in its democratic affairs and stands with our allies and friends against the sabotage and destabilizing actions of Russia.' However, the U.S. President also expressed concern about the limitations this law would impose on him in foreign policy, stating, 'This bill makes it harder for the American people to reach a good agreement by limiting our flexibility in action, and instead brings China, Russia, and North Korea closer together.' He added, 'Those who drafted our Constitution entrusted foreign affairs powers to the President. Now this bill proves how wise their work was.' The new sanctions law does not allow the President to unilaterally lift sanctions against Russia. In this context, Qasemi stated: 'We will continue our missile program with all our might.' Tillerson stated: 'The U.S. will never accept a nuclear North Korea.' Washington criticized Russia's request for the departure of 755 American diplomats. Mike Pence emphasized U.S. support for countries neighboring Russia.