What Happened: The United States is expected to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a foreign terrorist organization, perhaps as early as April 8, Reuters reported April 6, citing information from three U.S. officials.
Why It Matters: The Trump administration’s decision to make the designation will mark the first time the United States has formally labeled another country’s military force a terrorist group. Critics warn the decision could open U.S. military and intelligence officials to similar actions by unfriendly governments abroad.
Background: The United States has already blacklisted dozens of entities and people for affiliations with the IRGC, but not the organization as a whole. An announcement next week would come a month ahead of the first anniversary of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran and to reimpose sanctions.