In its most recent article, Joseph I. Lieberman, former U.S. Senator and United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Advisory Board Chairman, has urged the Trump Administration to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization, after Tuesday’s chemical attack in Syria. The Trump Administration has authority to make such a designation, including using Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act or Executive Order 13224.

Lieberman said, ”The chemical attack in Syria – one of the worst atrocities we have seen in years – was made possible by Iran and Russia’s ongoing support of President Assad. The IRGC is the main means of support – financial and otherwise – for the Syrian regime and terrorist organizations throughout the region. This is why Iran remains, according to the U.S. State Department, the leading state-sponsor of terrorism in the world. The gas attacks in Syria demonstrate the urgent need to designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization and show that this behavior will not be tolerated by the United States.” 

The security arm of the Ayatollah, the IRGC, is involved in major sectors of the Iranian economy, such as the air, energy, and auto industries, and provides training, weapons, and resources to extremist groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah and Hamas. 

American company Boeing signed a tentative deal to sell thirty jets to Iran’s Aseman Airlines this past week. “Boeing’s announcement is deeply troubling, as increased funds in Iran, even through private Iranian airliners like Aseman Air, could help drive funding to IRGC front companies that support terrorism. The deal, which on the surface seems legitimate, poses severe business risks to American companies,” added Senator Lieberman. “While Iran’s business climate remains tumultuous and continues to support regional atrocities, new investment risks funneling cash to the IRGC, emboldens Assad to commit further attacks, and creates grave human rights risks for civilians – both in Syria and abroad.”