Washington’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a terrorist group is primarily aimed at appeasing Israel, containing Iran’s influence in the region and destroying the morale of Iranians, political observers say.
On April 8, US President Donald Trump named IRGC a terrorist organization, Reuters reported.
The action by Trump, who has taken a hard line toward Tehran by withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimposing broad economic sanctions, marks the first time the United States has formally labeled another nation’s military a terrorist group.
The US step, which takes effect on April 15, prompted an immediate response from Iran, which in turn designated the United States Central Command—which is responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia—as a terrorist organization and the US government as a sponsor of terror.
Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a former senior lawmaker and an expert on international affairs, maintains that Trump’s move was intended to reiterate Washington’s support for Israel, the Iranian Diplomacy website reported.
“It was a great gift from Trump to the Zionists because the IRGC has always strongly resisted their occupation [of Palestinian territories] and the United States’ malicious plans in the Middle East,” he said.
The US president’s decision is also part of a campaign of “psychological warfare” against the Islamic Republic, which is meant to sap its will to withstand US pressure, he added.
“By turning up the heat on Iran and increasing tensions with the designation of IRGC as a terrorist group, I believe Trump intends to force Iran to change its behavior or come to the negotiating table.”
Trump Seeking Zionist Lobby’s Support
Former Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, argues that Trump is seeking to win further support from the Zionist lobby that helped him rise to power, as he eyes reelection in 2020.
Speaking to ISNA, Asefi said Trump’s decision is a “propaganda” effort rooted in his fury over the defeats suffered by the Americans and Zionists at the hands of IRGC in the region.
“In addition, the White House has been alarmed by the prospects of the formation of a strong coalition among Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq in the region,” he said.
Amir Mousavi, an expert on defense and security affairs, said naming IRGC a terrorist organization is aimed at undermining Iran’s resolve to press ahead with its policies and resist US demands.
“It is also an attempt to scare other countries away from working with Iran and IRGC, as the United States seeks to isolate Iran and curb its influence,” he said.
“The US president wants to weaken IRGC, which plays a significant role in protecting Iran’s national security and circumventing sanctions, to reduce the country’s overall ability to stand against Washington.”
Mousavi noted that the move can pave the way for the implementation of US plans in the Middle East, including the so-called “deal of the century,” which Trump claims can resolve the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine.
