The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), part of Iran’s official military, plays a central role in Iran’s use of terrorism as a key tool of Iranian statecraft. The IRGC plans, organizes, and executes terrorism around the world. In addition, the IRGC has created, supported, and directed other terrorist groups. The IRGC is responsible for numerous attacks targeting Americans and U.S. facilities, including those that have killed U.S. citizens. Since its founding in 1979, the IRGC has gained a substantial role in executing Iran’s foreign policy. The group now wields control over vast segments of Iran’s economy and is influential in Iranian domestic politics.
On April 15, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated the IRGC, including the IRGC-Qods Force, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. In 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated the IRGC as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended, for its activities in support of the IRGC-QF. As a result, all of the IRGC’s property, and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the IRGC. It is a crime to knowingly provide, or to attempt or conspire to provide, material support or resources to the IRGC.
