The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a branch of the IRGC, is Iran’s primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting terrorist groups abroad. Iran uses the IRGC-QF to implement its foreign policy goals, provide cover for intelligence operations, and create instability in the Middle East. In 2011, the IRGC-QF plotted to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the United States in Washington D.C. In 2012, IRGC-QF operatives were arrested in Turkey and Kenya for plotting attacks. In January 2018, Germany uncovered 10 IRGC operatives involved in a terrorist plot in Germany.

On April 15, 2019, the U.S. Department of State designated the IRGC, including the IRGC-QF, 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.