Possibility of IRGC Being Listed as a Terrorist Organization; 'Punishing Iran for Missile Tests'

Several U.S. security and defense officials have warned the White House that placing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the list of terrorist organizations could endanger American forces in Iraq and the Middle East and negatively impact the fight against the Islamic State or ISIS. The Trump administration is considering this issue as a means to punish Iran for its missile tests and seeks ways to reduce Tehran's influence in the Middle East. Shashank Joshi, a military studies researcher at the Royal United Services Institute in Britain, discussed this with Radio Farda: 'I think it is quite possible. The Trump administration is taking every opportunity. The U.S. has previously placed individuals from the IRGC on sanctions lists. It seems that the U.S. wants to punish Iran for its missile tests and is looking for ways to reduce Tehran's influence in the Middle East. Listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization is one way to achieve this goal. I think from the U.S. perspective, this approach has low costs, is easily executed, does not require congressional action, and the White House can do it unilaterally. I think the likelihood of this happening is high.' The Washington Post reported that several U.S. security and defense officials have warned the White House that this action would endanger American forces in Iraq and destabilize the Middle East, negatively affecting the fight against ISIS. Joshi commented, 'I think these warnings are reasonable. We all know that there are 5,000 Americans in Iraq, and since the U.S. occupation of Iraq about 14 years ago, Iran has been able to support Iraqi militias, providing them with improvised explosive devices that have killed many American and British forces. Therefore, the risk of American forces being killed or endangered in Iraq is high, and I think Iran would consider pressure on American soldiers as a legitimate response if the IRGC is listed as a terrorist organization.' He also noted that listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization would exert pressure on other aspects, such as complicating U.S. relations with Russia. Ultimately, listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization would impact the nuclear agreement. Sanctions on the IRGC have deterred some foreign investors from investing in Iran, as the IRGC is involved in many economic projects. Iran may view this U.S. decision as an action against the nuclear agreement and U.S. commitments, and I think the White House should consider this decision very cautiously and carefully. Joshi added, 'Some American officials understand the risks of this action, but the Trump administration intends to take greater risks and exert more pressure on Iran than the Obama administration did.' A former U.S. national security official, who spoke anonymously to the Washington Post, stated that the Obama administration had also considered listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization but concluded that it would not be beneficial. Given the issues mentioned and the economic power of the IRGC, as well as the potential impact of this decision on economic contracts, do you think the Trump administration will take this action contrary to the Obama administration? Joshi responded, 'I think there are significant risks involved, and several American officials are aware of these dangers, especially someone like James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, who is responsible for American forces in Iraq. Many others are also familiar with the consequences of listing the IRGC as a terrorist organization. General Mattis has been familiar with Iran since he was the head of U.S. Central Command during the Obama administration. I think some American officials understand the risks of this action, but the Trump administration intends to take greater risks and exert more pressure on Iran than the Obama administration did. I believe the possibility of the IRGC being listed as a terrorist organization is much greater now than during the Obama administration, and I think individuals like Donald Trump himself, Michael Flynn, the National Security Advisor, and the CIA director want to find ways to increase pressure on Iran.'