US insistence on keeping Iranian IRGC in FTO list proved disappointing in revival of nuclear agreement.
Months of hope surrounding the possibility of reviving nuclear agreement with Tehran during past year have come to an end. With no additional negotiations set and Washington’s focus cast on Ukraine, the viability of pact looks in jeopardy once more.
Washington’s classification of IRGC, Iranian main military forces, as “foreign terrorist organization” have stymied efforts to resurrect the accord. To cement the accord, American authorities are hesitant to satisfy Tehran’s requirement over de-listing the organisation from the sanctions list.
Iran had agreed to tone down its nuclear activities in return for the removal of international pressure on its economic development under the original deal back in 2015.
three years later, the ex-US President unilaterally terminated Washington’s commitment with the deal. Iran then turned to the target of Trump’s “maximum pressure” drive for over two years. As a result, the Iranian administration began expanding its nuclear project far beyond the JCPOA‘s boundaries.
The US administration but has made little achievement is triggering the revival of the deal. A rewind to the original state of affairs, according to Iran, requires foiling all destructive efforts after 2018.
IRGC was not part of the original deal, but had the safe haven to proceed with its security agenda in Iran and across the world. Putting IRGC in a terrorist list foils Iranian attempts to normalize ad advance ties with other nations.
Former US president put the IRGC in FTO list (foreign terrorist organizations) to expand pressure on Tehran. It was a part of Washington’s campaign against Tehran following unilateral withdrawal from the deal. “This is the first time that the United States has designated a part of another government as an FTO,” American ex-Secretary of State acknowledged then.
IRGC in FTO Lists
“This historic step will deprive the world’s leading state sponsor of terror the financial means to spread misery and death around the world;” These remarks by then secretary of State Mike Pompeo is indicative Washington’s attempt to Stimulate public opinion.
The aim is clear; having more supportive groups on a way they started alone and against the European allies. Washington has never published the legal support for the claims on which they designated IRGC as a terrorist group.
After Iranian revolution in 1979, then-leader of the country founded the IRGC as a component of the Iranian army. It began as an agenda driven force that was committed to the people and the new administration. The IRGC performed a significant and successful part in the eight-year war with Iraq starting in 1980, shortly after establishment.
The force now functions as a key component of the military, with call-ups entering its ranks to fulfill the country’s required military service obligations. To strengthen national security, the organization protects national interests and works both inside and beyond the borders.
The Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is in charge of the group’s international activities. It has been crucial to Iran’s regional interests, particularly its backing for several Middle Eastern neighbors.
Like the American Centcom mission outside borders, Quds Force had a main role in annihilating The ISIS. Besides, it bears the major burden of containing the extremism across the region.
Putting the IRGC into the FTO list has secured no US national interest. It only reverberated the regional dynamics and put the stability on the precipice during the recent years.
Nuclear agreement seems to be the victim of an initiative that has no benefit for Washington and its allies. There is no much time for fresh decisions.
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