Netanyahu commented, “We will continue to work together in every way against the Iranian regime that threatens the state of Israel, the United States, and world peace.”
By: Associated Press
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on Monday to the announcement that the U.S. had designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a “foreign terrorist organization,” tweeting in Hebrew that President Donald Trump had “answer[ed] another of my important requests.”
Netanyahu added that the designation “serves the interests of [Israel and the U.S.] and of countries in the region.”
The move represents the first time that the U.S. has used the designation for an entire foreign government entity.
Trump explained that the move “recognizes the reality” that Iran is a state-sponsored supporter of terrorism and that the Guard is an active participant.
Administration officials have said the step will further isolate Iran and make clear that the U.S. won’t tolerate Iran’s continued support for terror groups and others that destabilize the Middle East. The designation comes with sanctions, including freezes on some assets and a ban on Americans doing business with the group.
The Islamic Republic of Iran remains Israel’s greatest foe, which can be seen in Iranian leaders’ regular threats, Iran’s nuclear program, its development of long-range missiles and the massive amount of funds Iran devotes to supporting anti-Israeli terror groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council says it has designated the United States Central Command, also known as CENTCOM, and all its forces as terrorist and labeled the U.S. as a “supporter of terrorism.”
The semi-official Fars news agency reported the statement by Iran’s National Security Council on Monday. It followed the U.S. announcement that it has designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a foreign terrorist organization.
The statement from the council came after Iran’s foreign minister said he wants to include the Middle East-based U.S. military forces on his country’s “terrorist groups” list.