Why the World Must Officially Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not just a military force; it is a state-sponsored terror network responsible for domestic repression, regional instability, and global terrorism. As the military arm of the Iranian regime, the IRGC controls proxy militias, cyber warfare operations, and international assassination plots, making it a direct threat to global security. While some countries, such as the United States, have already designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), others, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, have yet to take this step. The international community must act to officially classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization, cutting off its financial networks, restricting its operations, and holding its leaders accountable. This report outlines why global designation is necessary, detailing the IRGC’s terrorist activities, its role in human rights abuses, and the urgent need for stronger international action.

1. The IRGC’s Role in Terrorism and Proxy Wars

The IRGC directly funds, trains, and arms terrorist organizations, using proxy groups to expand its influence and destabilize the Middle East.

A. Direct Sponsorship of Terrorist Organizations

The IRGC funds and arms several designated terrorist groups, including:

 • Hezbollah (Lebanon) – A paramilitary organization responsible for terrorist attacks worldwide.

 • Hamas (Palestine) – Funded and armed by Iran to attack Israel.

 • Houthis (Yemen) – Used by Iran to target Saudi Arabia and the UAE with missile and drone strikes.

 • Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (Iraq) – Responsible for attacks on U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians.

B. Regional Destabilization Through Proxy Wars

 • In Syria, the IRGC supports Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime, prolonging the civil war and committing war crimes.

 • In Iraq, IRGC-backed militias undermine democracy, assassinate activists, and attack U.S. military bases.

 • In Lebanon, Hezbollah acts as an Iranian proxy government, undermining sovereignty and threatening Israel.

C. IRGC-Backed Terrorist Attacks Worldwide

 • 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina – Hezbollah, under IRGC command, bombed a Jewish community center, killing 85 people.

 • 2012 Burgas bus bombing in Bulgaria – Hezbollah terrorists targeted Israeli tourists, killing six people.

 • Foiled assassination plots – IRGC agents have attempted to kill dissidents and foreign officials in Europe, the U.S., and beyond.

The IRGC’s global footprint proves it operates as a terrorist entity, yet many governments fail to classify it as such.

2. The IRGC’s Role in Domestic Repression and Human Rights Violations

A. Brutal Crackdowns on Protests

 • The IRGC is responsible for killing thousands of Iranian protesters.

 • 2019 fuel protests: The IRGC massacred over 1,500 civilians in just a few days.

 • 2022 Women, Life, Freedom uprising: IRGC forces killed, arrested, and tortured thousands after Mahsa Amini’s death.

B. Torture and Executions in IRGC-Controlled Prisons

 • Political prisoners face electric shocks, sexual violence, and solitary confinement.

 • Many activists are executed after sham trials, accused of “corruption on earth.”

C. Suppressing Free Speech and Digital Censorship

 • The IRGC monitors social media and private messages, arresting users for criticizing the regime.

 • It shuts down the internet during uprisings, preventing activists from sharing evidence of human rights abuses.

3. The IRGC’s Cyber Warfare and Global Threats

A. Hacking and Cyber Terrorism

 • The IRGC’s cyber units target Western infrastructure, businesses, and governments.

 • 2020 U.S. election interference – The IRGC attempted to manipulate voter data and spread disinformation.

 • Cyber attacks on Saudi oil facilities – Disrupted global energy markets, proving the IRGC’s economic terrorism.

B. Assassination Plots Against Activists Abroad

 • IRGC operatives have plotted to kidnap and kill dissidents in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

• Targets include Masih Alinejad (U.S.), dissident journalists, and exiled opposition leaders.

C. Spreading Disinformation and Propaganda

 • IRGC-controlled media outlets spread anti-Western, anti-Israel, and anti-democracy propaganda.

 • Social media manipulation – The IRGC runs troll farms to harass journalists and activists.

4. Why a Global IRGC Terrorist Designation is Necessary

A. Weakening the IRGC’s Financial Networks

 • Sanctions on IRGC-linked businesses will cut off funding for terrorism.

 • IRGC-controlled companies in construction, energy, and banking will face international restrictions.

B. Restricting the IRGC’s Operations Worldwide

 • Countries that haven’t designated the IRGC as a terrorist group still allow its operatives to move freely.

 • A full terrorist designation would block IRGC agents from traveling or conducting business globally.

C. Strengthening International Legal Action

 • Activists and victims could pursue legal cases against the IRGC for its crimes.

 • A terrorist designation would allow for greater cooperation among global intelligence agencies.

5. Countries That Need to Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

A. Canada

 • While Canada sanctioned IRGC officials, it has not fully listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

 • Victims of Flight PS752, shot down by the IRGC in 2020, continue to demand full designation.

B. The European Union (EU)

 • Some EU nations, like Germany and France, support designation, but lack of consensus has prevented action.

 • Iranian terrorist plots in Europe (such as the foiled 2018 bomb attack in Paris) prove the IRGC is an active threat.

C. The United Kingdom (UK)

 • UK lawmakers have debated IRGC designation, but no official action has been taken.

 • Iranian dissidents in the UK face constant threats and surveillance from IRGC operatives.

D. United Nations (UN)

 • A UN-backed international sanction effort would globally restrict IRGC funding and arms sales.

6. Counterarguments and Responses

A. Argument: “Sanctioning the IRGC Will Harm Diplomacy”

Response: The IRGC is not a legitimate military force; it is a terrorist organization that operates outside Iran’s regular army. Diplomacy should not protect terrorism.

B. Argument: “Iran Will Retaliate if the IRGC Is Designated”

Response: Iran already conducts terrorist attacks globally. A designation would weaken the IRGC financially, making it harder for them to operate.

C. Argument: “Sanctions Only Hurt the Iranian People”

Response: The IRGC steals Iran’s wealth for terrorism. Targeted sanctions weaken the IRGC while supporting Iranian activists and protesters.

 Conclusion: The World Must Act Now

The IRGC is a terrorist organization that has committed international crimes, mass executions, cyber warfare, and terrorist attacks. Governments that have not yet designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity must act immediately.