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Trump’s IRGC Ban Proposal in Limbo

Trump’s IRGC Ban Proposal in Limbo
Trump’s IRGC Ban Proposal in Limbo

A proposal the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps a terrorist organization has stalled over warnings from defense and intelligence officials that the move could backfire, according to officials familiar with the matter. “If you do that, there is no way to escalate, and you would foreclose any possibility of talking to the Iranians about anything,” one of the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity, Reuters reported. Momentum behind a possible presidential order has slowed amid an internal debate that has included concerns it could undermine the fight against the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group, draw opposition from key allies, torpedo any US-Iran diplomatic prospects and complicate enforcement of the Iran nuclear deal, US and European sources said. The proposal would, if implemented, take the unprecedented step of blacklisting the entire IRGC as a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.” That would go far beyond the targeted sanctions already imposed on individuals and entities linked to IRGC. Commenting on the issue, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday, “Such moves will not benefit the US, as the world is aware that the IRGC has been the main backer of neighboring states in the anti-terror campaign.”

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