In a recent gathering, Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described the Revolutionary Guard Corp, the regime's paramilitary arm and a terror organization as “the largest counter-terrorist organization in the world.”
Khamenei expressed concerns about ongoing efforts to discredit both the IRGC and the Basij forces. He noted that one of the primary tactics used by adversaries is tarnishing the reputation of these groups.
During the meeting, Khamenei reportedly labeled the United States as the primary enemy of the Iranian regime, and his declaration prompted many attendees to chant anti-U.S. slogans such as "death to America."
The IRGC was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration in 2019. This action garnered support from various U.S. policymakers who have urged America's allies to follow suit.
The IRGC plays a central role in coordinating activities of terror organizations aligned with the regime against the United States, Israel, and other regional adversaries to Tehran. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards have been implicated in activities such as assassinations, terrorist attacks, oil tanker seizures, kidnappings, and espionage on a global scale.
The IRGC has also provided drones, missiles, and the related technical assistance to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Despite persistent appeals from politicians, diplomats, and Iranian dissident groups, both the U.K. and the European Union have shown reluctance in designating the IRGC as a terror organization.
The IRGC also functions as a major suppressive force within Iran itself.
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