Reuters: The White House is Considering Adding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the 'Terrorist Organizations' List

Reuters reports, citing U.S. government officials, that several organizations and entities in the U.S. have been asked to provide their opinions and assessments on a potential plan to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran to the list of 'terrorist organizations.' Reuters emphasized that it has not yet seen a copy of the proposed plan. Several IRGC officials and affiliated organizations, as well as foreign companies cooperating with this Iranian military force, are currently on the U.S. sanctions list. These sanctions have recently increased following Iran's missile tests at the beginning of Donald Trump's administration. U.S. officials have stated that the initial plan proposed may be presented to the State Department in the form of an executive order to weigh this option, which could ultimately lead to labeling the entire IRGC as 'terrorist.' However, Reuters noted that it has not seen a version of this proposed plan, and it is unclear whether Donald Trump, the President of the United States, will ultimately sign such a plan. The White House has not yet responded to this report. Iranian officials and the IRGC deny any involvement or engagement in terrorist activities. Reuters also recalled another report regarding the potential addition of the 'Muslim Brotherhood' to the 'terrorist organizations' list, a decision that has been postponed indefinitely. According to Reuters, the potential addition of the IRGC to the U.S. 'terrorist organizations' list could have long-lasting repercussions in the Middle East. The agency pointed out, for example, the Iraqi Shiite militias that are supported by the IRGC and are fighting alongside the Iraqi army, which itself is supported by the U.S.-led coalition, against the group known as the Islamic State. Reuters also highlighted the significant influence of the IRGC in the economy, trade, and politics, stating that if this potential plan comes to fruition, it could deter foreign partners from investing in Iran. In many cases, according to Reuters, the IRGC's presence in the economy is layered and not direct. A senior U.S. official stated that the government is likely moving towards 'punishing' the Tehran regime for its support of groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, or several Shiite groups in Iraq, rather than abandoning the nuclear agreement. Reuters also noted that potential pressure on the IRGC could ultimately empower the hardline faction of the Iranian government and weaken moderates like Hassan Rouhani and his supporters. It could also hinder Iranian-supported groups in countries like Iraq and Syria from continuing their fight against ISIS or even lead them to take potential actions against U.S.-backed groups or American forces. Iranian officials or the IRGC have not yet responded to Reuters' report and the possibilities raised in it.